Commercial Way Is Windy Way in Woking

Published on: 30 Mar, 2026
Updated on: 2 Apr, 2026

View of Commercial Way and Victoria Square from Victoria Way, Woking. Google Street View

By Emily Dalton

local democracy reporter

‘Why is it so windy?’. People living and working in Woking’s town centre want answers over why Commercial Way and Victoria Square have become a “wind tunnel”.

And the strong gusts of wind can be more than just an annoyance, they can make everyday journeys uncomfortable and, for some, physically exhausting.

Helen Brook, 54, long-term Woking resident. Helen Brook

Helen Brook, who has lived in Woking for 30 years, said the issue has a real impact on her daily life. Using a rollator mobility aid, she described being “pushed backwards” by gusts near Boots while trying to reach the community hospital.

“The only shelter is that big man lying down on his plinth,” she said. “It makes a hard walk a lot tougher. The extra wind resistance takes more energy to walk through.”

Helen, who lives with complex health issues and fatigue, said the conditions can have lasting effects. “The maximum number of steps I can do in a day is 1,500. Anything like the wind tunnel vastly reduces that and the recovery time is days longer.”

Others have raised similar concerns, describing the High Street as a “wind tunnel” and saying bus stops are particularly exposed, with gusts “whipping around” passengers. People on social media have said it is “awful” waiting for a bus and there is a “cold wind even on the warmest of days”.

Why is it so windy?

Essentially, tall buildings can dramatically change how wind behaves at street level. When strong winds hit high-rise blocks, they are forced downwards and then funnelled through gaps between buildings. This can create sudden, fast-moving gusts, especially in open spaces like Victoria Square or at street corners

Planning documents for the Victoria Square development show these effects were anticipated as far back as 2014. Wind modelling found the scheme would “slightly exacerbate” conditions in some areas, particularly in winter, with some spots unsuitable for long periods of sitting.

However, assessments concluded the area would remain safe for pedestrians, with most locations suitable for walking or short-term standing.

Can anything be done?

Developers say design tweaks can help soften the impact. Measures such as trees, screens, recessed entrances and canopies are often used to break up airflow and create shelter. The Victoria Square plans were amended to include features like glazed screens, pergolas, repositioned seating and tree planting to reduce wind speeds where possible.

But for the existing square, Woking Borough Council says there are no plans to make changes.

Beverley Kuchar, the council’s strategic director for Place, said: “We do recognise that wind conditions in Victoria Square and along Commercial Way vary depending on the weather and can feel more noticeable at certain times.

“Whilst we welcome the feedback from residents and visitors, there are currently no plans to make changes to Victoria Square.”

Despite that, some residents believe improvements could still be made. Helen said: “It would be fairly straightforward to put in some buffers to reduce the wind.”

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