Letter: I Support Plans for Guildford ‘Castle Square’

Published on: 19 Dec, 2019
Updated on: 19 Dec, 2019

From Kevin Rye

I’m writing to support Guildford Borough Council’s plans for the development of our Castle Square.

Guildford is in many ways a great place to live, but there’s a sense in parts of an almost slow fraying at the seams, and a need for change.

There are many empty shops in the High Street and North Street, and with Woking racing ahead with its town centre development it’s vital the town doesn’t get left behind.

In particular, there is a notable lack of shared public space, like that in Woking, which places the needs of pedestrians above those of car-drivers, and encourages walking.
This scheme, and those like it, are vital if we are to ensure Guildford remains an attractive place to visit, shop and live. It is also vital if the council is going to be able to stand by its important commitments on climate change.

I hope the whole council, its leadership, opposition and officers, remain committed to this progressive and important scheme, and others like it. We’ve already seen the benefits of similar changes to the external area of Tunsgate, even if the actual shopping centre might not be the roaring success many hoped to see.

I believe the town needs more of these thoughtful changes, and I hope others agree with me.