Letter: Plans Must Consider Guildford As a Whole – Not Just a Town Centre

Published on: 30 Aug, 2012
Updated on: 30 Aug, 2012

From Auriol Earle

Caroline Reeves is right in many ways, GBC has moved and I have been comforted by the fact that so many of expressed ideas have been adopted.

But there remains a fundamental problem and area of disagreement between the Guildford Vision Group (GVG) and the Council, namely that the Interim plan remains a plan for the Town Centre, whereas the Guildford Society and GVG believe that it is absolutely essential to consider the future of the town as a whole, not in parts. The Town Centre is only a part of the whole.

For example, one of Guildford’s most important problems (and one highlighted by the Cathedral’s new acting Dean) is the division of the town into two halves: one centred on the historic town centre and the other on the university, cathedral and hospital.

One opportunity of bonding the two halves would be to situate a major commercial development, perhaps Waitrose or John Lewis, on the Guildford Park Road Car Park adjoining the railway station and the university sites. Car parking could go underground, into the hill. If another large store is built in the town it would, in many ways, compound the town centre’s existing problems, as highlighted by the GVG.

The number of people who attended their meeting in Holy Trinity Hall and the number of those wanting to speak in response to the well-researched talks should indicate to our borough councillors the hunger for opportunities to learn and discuss proposals for the future of Guildford: that is Guildford as a whole, not in parts.

The Guildford Vision Group expresses a genuine public interest and need, one that our Councillors deny at their peril.

Please note – readers’ letters do not necessarily reflect the views of The Guildford Dragon NEWS or its writers.

Do you have an issue you wish to write about? Perhaps you wish to complain about something, bring attention to a subject, offer congratulations or thanks or reply to another reader’s letter?

All publishable views are welcome. Please do send your letters in to The Guildford Dragon NEWS by emailing mgilesdragon@gmail.com

Share This Post