Letter: I Hope I See the St Mary’s Wharf Development In My Lifetime

Published on: 9 Aug, 2021
Updated on: 9 Aug, 2021

Illustrative view showing St Mary’s Church in Quarry Street seen between the proposed buildings from across the River Wey.

From: Roslyn McMillan

In response to: Nine Storeys Proposed for Debenhams Replacement ‘St Mary’s Wharf’

The buildings have to be taller than the existing slab of concrete because they will occupy a much smaller footprint. One can’t ignore the commercial realities of development.

This design knocks spots off the ghastliness of the slab-sided Solum proposals. I recommend reading the developers’ presentation to get a sense of the project as a whole. The riverfront will be much more accessible and the side of the site facing the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre will be opened up to the river as well.

In addition, there will be a space between the two buildings opening up a view of St Mary’s church. I certainly see a carefully thought out design here and hope it comes to fruition in my lifetime.