Farewell To The ‘Yellow’ Office Buildings in Walnut Tree Close!

Published on: 27 Jun, 2013
Updated on: 13 Nov, 2013

It’s time to say goodbye to the ‘yellow’ office buildings that now stand empty between the River Wey and Walnut Tree Close.

Going, going….. the office buildings in Walnut Tree Close now being demolished.

The area is to be redeveloped with new office buildings, and some may be hoping that their replacement will blend in a bit more with the existing architecture and landscape in the vicinity.

Nearly gone…. demolition contractors are working at the site.

It’s fair to say that the buildings being razed to the ground were not really in harmony with their surroundings – namely the late Victorian red brick railway bridge and Dapdune Wharf on the other side of the river – a lovely collection of old buildings that form the headquarters and visitor centre of the National Trust’s River Wey and Godalming Navigations.

View from the towpath that shows the close proximity of the soon to be demolished ‘yellow’ office buildings and Dapdune Wharf.

The plans for two replacement office buildings, with parking, has been approved by Guildford borough planners, and we await to see what they will look like.

Some may remember that the site was once the home of Dragon Plant Hire – a firm that specialised in the type of machinery and vehicles now being used to demolish the office buildings. And yes, we have been asked if this ‘Dragon’ is anything to do with that long-gone business! The answer is ‘No’.

Also, interesting to muse that one of the latter occupants of the office buildings was the developer Barrett Homes.

Sad or glad to see them go? What do you think. Why not leave a comment in the box below?

Responses to Farewell To The ‘Yellow’ Office Buildings in Walnut Tree Close!

Bibhas Neogi Reply

July 3, 2013 at 10:53 am

What a shame. Is this the best use for this beautiful area beside the river? Maybe Guildford Borough Council should have tried harder to persuade the builder to build houses and particularly affordable ones instead of more office buildings that are likely to remain unoccupied for a long time under the current economic situation.

Could GBC have bought this land under a CPO? Maybe those readers who are more knowledgeable about planning procedures could throw some light into this aspect?