Bill Stokoe is New Chair For Guildford Vision Group

Published on: 4 Jun, 2019
Updated on: 4 Jun, 2019

Bill Stokoe, new chairman of Guildford Vision Group

Bill Stokoe is the new chair of Guildford Vision Group (GVG), succeeding John Rigg, who stepped down after his election to the borough council.

“John founded GVG more than seven years ago,” Bill said. “His drive and determination as chair of GVG has shown Guildford has huge potential if it adopts a visionary masterplan.

“All of us on the GVG steering group applaud his dedication to the task and acknowledge his extensive development advisory credentials. We wish him well with his new responsibilities. We hope he can continue to contribute to our discussions and efforts.”

John Rigg, has stepped down from his GVG role following his election as a borough councillor.

GVG and other community groups strongly criticised the previous council for its poor inclusion of residents in planning. But the new Liberal Democrat administration has made a commitment to “continue to focus on making Guildford borough council more accountable to residents”.

Bill added: “GVG is a group of concerned residents, mostly with real estate and development expertise, who care about the built environment. We look forward to being able to establish a good and productive dialogue with the new administration over the coming weeks and months.”

GVG sees many challenges ahead for the town centre, delivering much-needed housing, plus addressing failing and inadequate infrastructure, pollution and accidents. Exciting opportunities present themselves through the redevelopment of sites such as North St, Bedford Square and perhaps even the Debenhams site.

Then there will be the impact of the green belt developments around the town included in the new Local Plan. GVG now hopes for a new, collaborative approach, with the years of missed opportunities and deterioration of the town centre coming to an end.

Bill Stokoe canvassing in Friary & St Nicolas during the recent election campaign.

Bob Hughes, chairman of Guildford Conservative Association, said: “Guildford Conservatives congratulate Bill on becoming chairman of GVG. I hope this will be an opportunity to re-engage with them.

“Not uncritically, but recognising the marked similarities between the GVG ideas and the Local Plan, all somewhat twisted during the elections. Bill showed great flair and energy as one of our candidates in the local elections and I am sure he will do a very good job.

Joss Bigmore also suggested a fresh approach to GBC-GVG relations. He said: “Bill Stokoe is a worthy successor to John Rigg, both share passion and tireless energy to make sure Guildford reaches its full potential.

“I am sure GVG will find a much friendlier ear at GBC and I look forward to congratulating Bill in person. Every major political group has promoted a Town Centre Masterplan in their manifesto, and further to consult residents properly, I should imagine GVG will be near the top of Cllr [Caroline] Reeves’ invite list.”