Developer Has Plans To Redevelop Tunsgate Square

Published on: 2 Oct, 2014
Updated on: 4 Oct, 2014

An Artists impression of how a redeveloped Tunsgate Square might look from the High Street

Tunsgate Square, off Guildford’s High Street, is to be redeveloped, subject to planning permission. A public consultation is to be held this Saturday.

A press release from the appointed development manager, Queensberry Real Estate, states: “There is undeniably a need for a major reconfiguration and comprehensive refurbishment of this 60,000 sq. ft. shopping centre. The current configuration of retail units and finish does not meet with modern retailer requirements – and as a result many are vacant – or do not meet the requirements of Guildford’s shoppers.

“The proposals provide a major opportunity to establish a distinctive retailing quarter, which complements the high-end retailing of this part of Guildford’s High Street. Our vision is to provide an oasis of high-end, premium boutique retail and leisure brands in a high-quality, well-designed, contemporary building.”

One main objective of the project is to improve the area at the rear of the square, currently a large blank wall. It is hoped that improvements to the site will, according to the developer: “…massively enhance the environment in Castle Street, which will create atmosphere, buzz and a visual link to Castle Gardens, one of Guildford’s key assets.”

The blank brick wall at the back of Tunsgate Square that faces the castle

Plans include the creation of two levels to the rear of the scheme, improvements to the elevation of the building on Tunsgate, a new central atrium and a feature staircase linking both levels, and new entrances to the scheme, which will significantly improve the design, access and future footfall.

Jon Munce, partner at Queensberry, said: “Queensberry has a great opportunity to successfully identify, manage and deliver a shopping centre refurbishment which re-establishes Tunsgate Square’s distinctive position within Guildford.

“Our proposals are designed to respond to Tunsgate Square’s current challenges and opportunities, and we look forward to presenting our vision and plans to Guildford’s residents, workers and shoppers in the coming weeks”.

Cllr Caroline Reeves responded to an invitation to comment, sent also to the Guildford Society and ward councillors, to say: “I haven’t seen the proposal yet but it would be good to have a more inviting facade overlooking the castle, and better viewing points for the castle and the grounds. The castle grounds are so well maintained but many are unaware of them.”

A public consultation will be held on Saturday 4th October, 11 am – 4 pm, at the Guildford YMCA, Bridge Road, Guildford.

A planning application will be submitted later this autumn.

Subject to the granting of planning permission, Queensberry anticipates that work will start on site in 2015 and will open in mid 2016 to provide 70,000 sq. ft. of high quality retail/leisure space.

Tunsgate Square Shopping Centre was built in 1972 and was renovated in the 1980s, with the High Street frontage partially rebuilt and a glazed roof installed in The Square.

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