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Progress continues on Shaping Guildford's Future

An illustration of a concept vision of what Woodbridge Meadows could look like.

A meeting of our Executive was held on the 24 April 2025. On the agenda was a review of the next phase of work on the Shaping Guildford's Future (SGF) regeneration project. 

What is Shaping Guildford's Future? 

SGF is the town centre regeneration programme that has major benefits for Guildford's community, businesses and environment. It will develop a proactive regeneration strategy that will address the economic challenges and physical constraints facing the town. 

An illustration of a concept vision of what Woodbridge Meadows could look like. Next to it is a photo of the existing view of the railway looking north.

What are the next steps? 

It was agreed by the Executive that the project team will continue to work collaboratively with the Environment Agency (EA) and Surrey County Council (SCC) to progress the Guildford Flood Alleviation Scheme, as outlined in Phase 3 of the project. The Local Planning Authority is also working to agree its governance arrangement with the EA to progress the design of the flood alleviation scheme.    

In parallel, the Council's Joint Assistant Director of Planning will lead work to prepare planning briefs for the four strategic sites, identified in the report, with input from the project team. These sites are: 

  • Millmead Council Office site 
  • Woodbridge Meadows 
  • Bedford Road surface site car park/Casino site  
  • Surrey Police site/ Mary Road surface car park  

This work will: 

  • support our corporate strategy priorities 
  • advance the Guildford Flood Alleviation Scheme with the EA and SCC 
  • help unlock development opportunities to address the place shaping of the town centre   

An illustration of a concept vision of what Bedford Warf could look like. There is also a picture of the existing view from Bridge Street looking north

Deputy Leader and Lead Councillor for Regeneration, Cllr Tom Hunt said: 

"The Shaping Guildford's Future regeneration project will transform the area along the riverside. The river is our town's most significant natural asset and the central focus for the regeneration, putting us in a strong position to deliver on our key priorities. This is an opportunity for us to make a lasting difference - to shape a better town, to embrace the riverside, to build on our strong local economy and create a lasting legacy for future generations." 

Lead Councillor for Planning, Cllr Fiona White added:  

"We want our borough to thrive, and planning plays a vital part in securing a successful future for Guildford. By creating planning briefs for key areas, we can support consistent and high-quality development, promote good use of available land, and deliver sustainable communities for our residents and businesses. We'll continue to work with the Shaping Guildford's Future team and partner organisations to finalise the planning briefs for these four strategic sites, and to plan for positive growth in our borough." 

More detailed information can be found in the Executive report. (opens new window) 

The vision for Shaping Guildford's Future (opens new window)

Published: 25 April 2025