Council Hosts Online Debate to ‘Shape Guildford’s Future’ – Tonight

Published on: 18 Jan, 2022
Updated on: 18 Jan, 2022

Improving air quality, flooding control, responding to climate change and enhancing our beautiful public green spaces are some of the topics for GBC’s next online debate tonight (January 18) at 6pm.

Architect and air quality experts will join John Rigg our lead councillor for Regeneration on the panel, discussing plans to shape Guildford’s future.

The debate is open to residents and businesses across Guildford and is the council says: “an opportunity to have your say on our plan to shape the town centre”.

Peter Gordon is to independently chair the debates on the new masterplan.

The webinar, independently chaired by broadcaster and Guildfordian Peter Gordon, will discuss “How can we ensure the plan for our town is sustainable?”.

The panel of experts will cover social, environmental and economic impacts of the plan across topics such as transportation, as well as discuss questions raised by attendees.

Joining Cllr Rigg on the panel will be air quality expert Professor Prashant Kumar from the University of Surrey, world-renowned architect David Leonard, and Justine Fuller, head of Environment and Regulatory Services at Guildford Borough Council.

Cllr Rigg said: “More than a hundred people registered for the last debate and it was an extremely useful discussion with issues raised focusing on design and density, the character of the town and transport.

Cllr John Rigg

“That’s why events like this are so valuable to find out what people view as being key priorities for Guildford’s future. Being online, it’s also accessible and the chat was lively with many questions submitted on the night. People are also commenting on social media and directly via the website. We want to get as many different views as possible from across all of Guildford’s communities

“I look forward to discussing the future of our town at the event and encourage people to register.”

It’s the second of four online debates as part of a programme of events to hear from the community about what they want the future of Guildford to be. The programme includes workshops, pop-up town centre stalls, focus groups, telephone polling and digital campaigns.

“Shaping Guildford’s Future”, aims to breathe new life into the centre by opening up the riverside, improving air quality, introducing more alternative, sustainable and affordable transport as well as making Guildford a more attractive and healthier place to live, work and visit.

More than 170 people have already submitted their comments on the plan, following last month’s launch of Shaping Guildford’s Future.

To register for the event, respond to the consultation or watch last month’s webinar please visit www.shapingguildford.co.uk or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.