North Street Redevelopment Moves Forward with Demolition Work

Published on: 11 Feb, 2025
Updated on: 11 Feb, 2025

Which buildings are coming down and which will stay? The building on the corner and the 1960s post office are destined to go, as well as the one beyond that. But the All Bar One building will stay.

By Stella Kuchanny

The long-planned redevelopment of North Street in Guildford has entered a key phase, with demolition work underway. The project, led by St Edward, a joint venture between the Berkeley Group and M&G Investments, aims to transform the area with new housing, improved public spaces, and an upgraded transport hub.

The approved plans for The Friary Quarter include:

471 new homes, a mix of private and affordable housing.
A redesigned bus station, providing modern waiting areas and improved accessibility.
New public spaces, including a town square and pedestrian-friendly areas.
Partial pedestrianisation of North Street, aiming to improve air quality and accessibility.

In addition to these structural changes, the redevelopment aims to create a more vibrant commercial and social space. Developers have proposed a mix of retail, dining, and leisure facilities to support local businesses and attract visitors to the town centre.

Woodbridge Road has been closed off for some months.

Preparatory work for the redevelopment began in October 2024, with sections of Woodbridge Road closed for archaeological surveys and utility work. The latest phase involves the demolition of the former post office and buildings along North Street and Woodbridge Road to clear space for the new town square and other developments.

While some buildings have already been vacated, the full-scale demolition process will take several months. As work continues, traffic diversions and temporary pedestrian routes have been put in place to minimise disruption to residents and businesses.

The project has been the subject of extensive consultation and debate. Supporters argue that the redevelopment will modernise Guildford’s town centre, create much-needed housing, and enhance public spaces. However, concerns have been raised about:

The impact on local businesses during construction.
The loss of historic buildings and the character of North Street.
The affordable housing provision, with some residents questioning whether the project includes enough homes at accessible price points.

Local heritage groups have expressed concerns about the impact of demolition on Guildford’s architectural history, while environmental campaigners have urged developers to ensure sustainability measures are prioritised throughout construction. The developers have stated that the project will incorporate energy-efficient buildings and increased green spaces to support biodiversity.

The demolition of the 1960s Debenhams building continues

Debenhams Site

In a related development, the former Debenhams store in Guildford, which closed in May 2021, is also undergoing significant changes. The building is set to be demolished to make way for St Mary’s Wharf, a mixed-use development by Native Land. The project will feature nearly 200 flats, along with riverside gardens, restaurants, and business spaces. Construction work began earlier this year, with the main demolition work scheduled to commence in the coming months.

With demolition work progressing, further construction is expected to continue through 2025. While a final timeline for completion has not been publicly confirmed, the project is set to reshape Guildford’s town centre for years to come.

Developers have committed to ongoing engagement with the local community, promising further updates and consultation as the work progresses. Public forums and information sessions are expected to be announced in the coming months to keep residents informed about key milestones and potential disruptions.

Residents can follow project updates through Guildford Borough Council and St Edward’s official communications, with further consultation expected as the redevelopment progresses.

The Dragon has asked Native Land for an update.

What do you think about the North Street redevelopment and the transformation of the former Debenhams site? Share your thoughts with The Guildford Dragon.

The Debenhams building in its last weeks, as seen from the town bridge.

Responses to North Street Redevelopment Moves Forward with Demolition Work

Paul Robinson Reply

February 11, 2025 at 3:37 pm

End of an era. I’ll always remember the corner building in the first photo as Pascall’s where Father Christmas got my first bicycle from (it had a Pacalls sticker on it). I seem to recall it also sold Airfix kits and the like, but I may be wrong on that point.
- David Pascall Reply
  
  February 15, 2025 at 1:50 pm
  
  Yes, that was the Pascalls Cycle Shop for many years. The Model Shop was next door on the left – long since demolished I think. Further down Woodbridge Road were the Company’s offices and the Motor Cycle showroom.
  
  My grandfather Edward Pascall opened his shop selling and repairing bicycles in 1905 and built the business up over many years.
  
  In my late teens I had the fun of driving the Pascalls of Guildford bright yellow Commer Van around town making deliveries.
  
  Many thanks to my old school pal Pete Cobbett for drawing my attention to the article on the redevelopment (at last!) of the Woodbridge Road site.
Aubrey Leahy Reply

February 12, 2025 at 9:28 am

The North Street area has always been a bit of a mish-mash and has been awaiting a unifying scheme for over 50 years.

It should have started when the old Methodist Church was pulled down. That church was the venue for the Sea Cadets Sunday service complete with a thundering fire and brimstone oratory performance by the Rev’d Alfred Kaye. Certainly not every Sunday but I cannot remember what the marked occasions were.

There was a fairly full congregation of locals back in the glory days of a “Ye Olde English Sunday” when you could buy a copy of Playboy magazine but not a Bible and the pubs were closed between 2pm and 7pm.

I cannot help but wonder if there is some correlation between falling congregations and pub opening hours?
Harry Elson Reply

February 13, 2025 at 6:47 am

Well the redevelopment looks exciting but I remember the hype regarding the Friary Centre. So I would caution, remember the early 1980s when we were given the new Blackfriars pub. I recall sitting outside in the first glow of optimism and saying this is not a patch on the Bulls Head. Who designed it and will it soon be consigned to history. It was. I hope we have learned a lesson regarding planning but I don’t think so.

Guildford has lost its identity: gone are the quality family shops lining the high street priced out by conglomerates, gone are the department stores because of online shopping. There is now a plethora of eating establishments, what next?
M Durant Reply

February 13, 2025 at 8:57 pm

I miss Debenhams and going to their restaurant over looking the river, but redevelopment of the site has been long overdue. I never liked the building itself, I just hope they will put another coffee shop overlooking the river and that the building will be stylish, not another monolith.

It would be great if they could add a roller skating centre with disco music.

CGI of planned new building can be seen here: https://guildford-dragon.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screenshot-2022-11-24-at-16.51.33.png
S Callanan Reply

February 14, 2025 at 5:03 pm

What’s clear from the Debenhams pic from the town bridge is that at least three mature trees have been felled by the riverside.

Was that absolutely necessary, I wonder?