Regenerating North Street: Community Invited To View Latest Designs

Published on: 23 Apr, 2022
Updated on: 26 Apr, 2022

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Public webinar: Monday, April 25 at 6pm. Email to register: info@housegroup.co.uk.

The Guildford community is being invited by developer St Edward to view the latest designs and give their feedback for The Friary Quarter, the exciting regeneration of North Street in the town centre.

CGI of proposed plans to deliver The Friary Quarter in North Street Guildford.

St Edward – a joint venture between The Berkeley Group and M&G Real Estate – has recently exchanged contracts with Guildford Borough Council to transform the under-utilised site into a contemporary new neighbourhood of approximately 500 homes and retail, leisure and landscaped space.

People who live, work and visit Guildford are encouraged to join an online engagement event on Monday, April 25 at 6pm, where they will hear from St Edward’s team and architects from JTP about the proposed pedestrianisation of North Street, enhanced public realm and improved facilities for market traders, as well as a new bus station interchange which will create a safer, less polluting and more attractive environment for everyone.

During the session, people will be able to see the recent plans, ask questions and provide their feedback. For those who cannot attend, the proposals can be viewed and feedback can also be submitted via the website after the webinar.

Working in partnership with local stakeholders provides a significant opportunity to revitalise under-utilised and part-vacant brownfield land, breathing life back into North Street and the wider town centre – for the benefit of Guildford’s population and its visitors.

The proposals for North Street play an important role in the regeneration and future vision for Guildford, whilst respecting the town’s rich history with its exceptional architecture, ‘cobbled’ streets and listed buildings.

Councillor John Rigg, responsible for regeneration at Guildford Borough Council, said: “I am delighted after seven or eight previous failed schemes on this site over three decades and two years of hard negotiations, we are now under contract with one of the country’s leading housing developers, able and enthusiastic to bring forward such a fantastic regeneration scheme.

“For us to be able to deliver new, sustainable homes and create an exciting new neighbourhood helping to take the pressure off the green belt, whilst also aiding the recovery of the high street is a huge opportunity.

“The extra wins of a new bus interchange and removal of vehicles and pollution from North Street will create a wonderful, safer new environment for visitors to the town.”

Paul Vallone, executive chairman of St Edward, commented: “We are very excited about engaging with the local community to design a beautiful development with attractive places to shop, eat and catch up with friends.

“We believe we can make somewhere truly special, with its own distinct character, whilst providing a fantastic amenity for local people. This is about creating homes and shared spaces that everyone can enjoy.”

After a final public exhibition in early summer 2022, a new planning application is expected to be submitted, with construction anticipated to commence in summer 2023.