North Street Developer Selection Delayed – More Time Required to Consider Detailed Bids

Published on: 20 Mar, 2013
Updated on: 20 Mar, 2013

The area to be redeveloped – the north side of North Street on the left in the photo

The selection of a developer to take forward the North Street redevelopment project has been delayed to allow more time to consider the bids from three short-listed companies.

It was expected that the recommendation would be presented to the council executive next week on Thursday, March 28th. It is now expected that will happen in April. But Lead Councillor for the Town Centre, James Palmer says that details of all three bids will be made available to the public before the end of this month, March.

A Guildford Borough Council spokesperson said: “Following last month’s submission of formal bids from all three short-listed developers, we want to take a bit more time to review their proposals and decide who will develop this important site for Guildford.

The council’s evaluation panel is reviewing the bids from Land Securities, Lend Lease and Queensberry and aims to recommend a preferred developer in April.

Cllr James Palmer

Lead Councillor for Town Centre Planning, Cllr James Palmer, says: “We received very strong and detailed bids from each of the three developers, with all submissions demonstrating an exceptional understanding of Guildford.

“They represent the UK’s best in class for development and we want to take a bit more time to review their proposals and make this important decision. All three developers have the required experience and expertise and we need to ensure that we carefully evaluate the comprehensive submissions from each candidate.

“This is a key town centre site to support Guildford’s thriving economy now and into the future. There will be opportunities for further engagement with local people and stakeholders after selection of the preferred developer. As part of the council’s commitment to a transparent process, the details of all three bids, save for commercially sensitive information, will be made available to the public before the end of March.”

Bill Stokoe, a director of the Guildford Vision Group (GVG) commented: “GVG is keen to see positive proposals for regenerating the key site in North Street as well as other development sites in Guildford.

“We hope postponing the selection of a development partner will ensure that we get the best developer who is prepared to work to help the town resolve its deep-seated infrastructure problems, contribute to opening up the river and connecting spaces and places for pedestrians.”

The Lib Dem and Labour Group were also invited to comment but none had been received at the time of publication. They will be added if submitted.