Guildford town centre continues to thrive as regeneration plans take shape
As the end of the year approaches, Guildford's skyline and feeling of place is evolving bringing with it exciting and vibrant changes.
Guildford is well-positioned for the next phase of regeneration, creating a dynamic, resilient town centre that attracts investment, supports local enterprise and offers an outstanding experience for residents and visitors alike. Indicators to support this include:
exceptionally low vacancy rates at just 6%, reflecting strong confidence in the local economy
28 new businesses have recently opened their doors, adding to the town's vibrant mix of shops, cafés and services
footfall is steadily improving, tracking the same positive trends as previous years but now surpassing last year's levels - up 4.6% on last year, signalling renewed energy and growth.
To bolster this, significant changes are underway to enhance the look, feel, and functionality of the town centre, creating a more welcoming and vibrant space. These improvements aim to celebrate Guildford's unique character while ensuring it meets the needs of a modern, thriving community.
A key part of this transformation will bring a significant number of homes into the town centre, creating a lively, sustainable living environment that supports local businesses and encourages a sense of community.
As landowner of some strategic sites, Guildford Borough Council is working hard to proactively tackle the economic challenges and physical constraints facing the town. These important infrastructure enabling works are part of the wider Shaping Guildford's Future project that will ensure that the large-scale private sector developments are sustainable.
The first and most critical step in this programme is the Guildford Flood Alleviation Scheme. Delivered in partnership with the Environment Agency, this essential project will unlock private sector development opportunities and lay the foundations for sustainable growth, new homes and improved public spaces.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Julia McShane, said:
"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape Guildford for the benefit of everyone who lives, works and visits the town. Together, these projects will create a town centre that is greener, more accessible and economically resilient, strengthening our local economy and supporting businesses to thrive. They will deliver new homes, better public spaces and improved infrastructure, while protecting our environment and celebrating our heritage. We're committed to creating a town centre that is vibrant, sustainable and ready for the future - a place we can all be proud to call home, a great place to work, visit and do business."
CEO of Experience Guildford, Amanda Masters added:
"Guildford's regeneration is a vital step towards creating a town centre that works for everyone residents, visitors and businesses alike. These exciting projects will not only improve the look and feel of the town but also strengthen its economic resilience, attract investment and support our vibrant mix of independent and national retailers. A thriving, accessible and welcoming town centre is essential for Guildford's future, and we're proud to champion initiatives that help businesses flourish."
Together, these plans will ensure Guildford remains a thriving, resilient town for generations to come.
Transforming key sites across Guildford
Guildford town centre is undergoing a major transformation, driven by a series of large-scale projects that will reshape its skyline and enhance its sense of place. These private sector developments form a key part of the regeneration programme and include:
North Street - set for a bold transformation
Over the coming years, St Edward, in partnership with Guildford Borough Council, Surrey County Council and local stakeholders - will deliver a vibrant, mixed-use development that brings this key town centre site back to life.
The scheme will create 477 sustainable homes, new public squares and green spaces, a modernised bus station, and pedestrian-friendly streets that boost local business and improve air quality. With a new NHS medical centre, enhanced biodiversity, and £250,000 invested in public art, North Street will become a destination for living, working and leisure.
Construction is underway, with completion targeted for 2030, marking a major step towards a greener, more connected Guildford.
St Mary's Wharf - transforming Guildford's riverside into a vibrant destination
This landmark development will deliver 183 sustainable homes, alongside shops, cafés, and restaurants, all set within beautifully landscaped public spaces. For the first time in 50 years, the River Wey will be opened up with a new town
square and a biodiverse riverside walk, creating direct access from the High Street to the water.
The two all-electric, net-zero carbon buildings are designed to respect Guildford's heritage while repurposing brownfield land and reduce car dependency. Green roofs, extensive planting, and 50 new trees will enhance biodiversity, while more than £3 million will be invested in local improvements, including NHS, education, highways, and riverside infrastructure.
St Mary's Wharf is also generating over 415 construction jobs, up to 83 permanent roles, and contribute an estimated £1.7 million annually to the local economy. With the first major phase complete, detailed design work for the next stage is now underway with the ground floor already formed, paving the way for efficient construction and a greener, more connected town centre.
Guildford Park Road car park - redevelopment plans submitted
Following extensive consultation and development of proposals, the planning application for the Guildford Park Road car park site has now been submitted by Wates in partnership with the Council.
Guildford Borough Council are pleased to have been able to act on thier long-held ambition to invest in underutilised, Council-owned land and redevelop this strategic site.
Part of the proposals include much-needed new homes for Guildford, with 40% provided as affordable housing - a mix of rental and shared ownership - owned and managed by the Council for those who need them most transforming the area for local communities.
Guildford Station regeneration - next phase begins
Guildford Station long stay car park closed on 4 December as work starts on the next stage of the redevelopment, delivering 179 new homes in a prime town centre location. This milestone marks significant progress in creating a modern, connected gateway for Guildford.
As part of the improvements, a new multi-storey car park will open in summer 2026, providing enhanced facilities for rail users and supporting sustainable travel. Together, these changes form part of a wider vision to revitalise the station area and strengthen Guildford's role as a thriving regional hub.
Guildford Plaza - a new standard for modern living
The recently completed Guildford Plaza introduces a fresh approach to town centre living.
This contemporary scheme reflects the growing demand for adaptable, high-quality urban living and reinforces Guildford's position as a forward-thinking destination for residents and businesses alike.
Innovatively designed, this development offers fully furnished studio apartments with exceptional amenities, combining comfort, convenience and flexibility in one vibrant community. Residents will enjoy co-living and co-working spaces, wellness facilities, and a prime location just minutes from Guildford's shops, cafés and transport links.
Guildford Flood Alleviation Scheme
The Environment Agency are holding some public engagement drop-in events in the New Year to present the Guildford Flood Alleviation Scheme.
Dates and locations for the public consultations are scheduled to take place at the following venues and times:
Saturday 17 January 2026 12pm to 5pm. Venue: Yvonne Arnauld Theatre
Thursday 22 January 2026 3pm to 6pm. Venue: Guildford Borough Council
