Guildford Park Road car park redevelopment given the green light
The scheme will be delivered by Wates in partnership with our Council. It will transform the underused site into a new residential neighbourhood, with 40% of the homes provided as Council owned and managed housing.
The approved plans include:
- four apartment buildings ranging from four to six storeys
- 15 townhouses of two to three storeys
These will house a range of households, including families, and will contribute to meeting local housing need. The Council homes for rent will be allocated to those on the Council's housing register.
Designed as a place fit for the future
The homes will have high levels of energy efficiency to
- reduce carbon emissions
- help keep energy bills affordable for residents.
The homes will be arranged around a central landscaped Living Street designed to create
an attractive and sociable environment for residents
Ensuring low environmental impact the scheme also incorporates:
- green infrastructure
- sustainable materials.
Social value programme
The project includes a significant social value programme to support the local community. This will:
- create 40 new local jobs
- deliver training and upskilling opportunities
- include 39 work experience placements and 200 hours of volunteering
- involve a Green Schools Project and environmental improvement initiatives.
Leader of the Council and Lead Councillor for Housing and Corporate Services, Councillor Julia McShane, said:
"I'm delighted that the proposals for the Guildford Park Road development have been approved. We can now move forward with transforming this underused Council owned site into much‑needed new homes for Guildford.
"With 40% of these homes owned and managed by the Council, this major investment will enable more local people to live in good quality homes they can afford. Whether renting or buying, we want this new neighbourhood to be a place where residents feel proud to call home."
Lee Bushell, Regional Managing Director, Wates Residential, said:
"We welcome the progress made on the Guildford Park Road proposals, which marks an important and very exciting step toward transforming this key town‑centre site. The plans would deliver 248 high‑quality homes right next to the station and at the heart of Guildford.
"As we move into the next phase of work, we look forward to collaborating with our local partners to shape how we deliver our social value commitment. This will ensure the benefits of the scheme extend well beyond the new homes themselves — from creating local jobs and apprenticeships to supporting community initiatives and environmental improvements. Our ambition is to create a lasting, positive impact for the people of Guildford."
Construction is expected to begin in Summer 2026. Completion anticipated towards the end of 2028.
Learn more about the plans for Guildford Park Road (opens new window)
Published on: 5 March 2026