Vail Williams partner Charlie Nicholson says Woking could become Surrey’s office hotspot after successful investments by the borough council.

He argues the authority has succeeded in creating a vibrant and attractive town centre with compelling retail including both independent and high street brands.

Mixed-use Victoria Square opened in March 2022 with leisure, residential and retail units while a 47,000 sq ft performing arts centre for Italia Conti Performing Arts Academy has brought more than 600 students and staff to the town centre.

Mr Nicholson said: “We could see an office market renaissance in the town due to town centre regeneration by Woking Borough Council and the prevalence of quality office space. 

“This, together with attractive rents and transport connectivity, means businesses are likely to be attracted back into this increasingly vibrant town centre.

“As footfall continues to increase in Woking following this regeneration, together with its rental competitiveness, we are likely to see more office occupiers seeking value for money at a time of increasingly tight property purse strings. 

“Given that the town has a good range of exciting, quality office space to offer for those occupiers looking to right-size their premises and attract people back into the workplace, 2023 could see Woking ascend to the Surrey office market throne.”    

He said occupiers have already been attracted by the vibrancy of the town centre.

He went on: “Companies including IDBS, Verint, BOC, Cignpost Diagnostics and Kent & Co have all acquired offices having relocated into Woking town centre from surrounding office markets.

“Woking town centre has seen much more office activity than out of town business parks and secondary locations, following investment in its office accommodation.”

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