North Street Regeneration Moves One Step Closer

Published on: 14 May, 2025
Updated on: 16 May, 2025

The St Edward team, Guildford’s MP and Cllr Tom Hunt marking the occasion.

The redevelopment of North Street came a step closer last week with the official “breaking ground” milestone marked by a private gathering of the St Edward team, local MP Zöe Franklin and lead councillor for Regeneration at GBC Tom Hunt (Lib Dem, St Nicolas).

The prominent town centre site has lain largely vacant for over 30 years and the development will deliver 477 new homes, including a mix of affordable and market priced homes, alongside a programme of public areas, improvements to local transport and access to green spaces for local residents and visitors.

A CGI of how North Street Square area will look when completed.

The regeneration will see part of North Street pedestrianised out of hours, with access and servicing only available in the evening and mornings, helping improve air quality by an estimated 10 per cent.

The development will also deliver upgrades to Guildford’s bus station, including new passenger toilets, an indoor waiting room, and an additional bus stop to support future growth and better connectivity. This will enable the re-routing of buses away from North Street, helping improve the experience for pedestrians.

A spokesperson for St Edward said: “Sustainability is at the heart of the development, with a 240 per cent Biodiversity Net Gain, over 100 new trees, living roofs on all available rooftops, and a gas free, all electric energy system.

“The regeneration is forecast to create up to 400 jobs during construction, supported by an Employment and Skills Plan to ensure local people benefit directly from the opportunities the regeneration will create.

“St Edward is also collaborating with organisations including Activate Learning to explore opportunities with Guildford College to maximise local training, apprenticeships and job opportunities via an on-site skills centre.”

Paul Vallone, executive chairman of St Edward, said: “ We’re beginning to breathe new life into this key town centre site – creating places where people want to live, work and visit. Our ongoing collaboration with the community is vital for ensuring long-term investment and the successful completion of this project.”

Cllr Tom Hunt

Deputy GBC leader Tom Hunt said: “The commencement of construction marks a significant milestone in the transformation of Guildford’s town centre.

“Over the past two decades there have been numerous plans, proposals and visions for this site. I’m delighted that we are now able to see some significant progress that will help to revitalise the town centre and bring a new sense of community to North Street.

“I’m particularly pleased to see that the proposed improvements to the bus station and public realm remain at the heart of the proposals by St Edward.”

John Rigg

It is understood that although former R4GV councillor John Rigg, widely regarded as the prime mover behind the controversial North Street project, was invited to the event together with R4GV leader Joss Bigmore, neither was invited to be part of the photograph taken on site and no mention was made of them in press releases from GBC or St Edward.

A spokesperson for Guildford Borough Council said: “GBC were in attendance at the North Street breaking ground ceremony last week as invitees. St Edward organised the guest list and managed the morning event.”

Joss Bigmore has declined to comment.

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