Major Guildford regeneration project to go before planners

Major proposals to redevelop a key area of Guildford’s town centre could get the green light at a local planning committee this evening.

A joint venture between the Berkeley Group and M&G Real Estate will find out if its multi million pound Friary Quarter proposals can go ahead. Plans include the joint venture – known as St Edward – developing a new residential quarter for the town which will include 473 new homes. The North Street site, will also include, cafes, bars and restaurants alongside amenity space.

Under the proposals North Street will be pedestrianised, with a new park, town squares and space for traders. A planning application was submitted in August last year after a number of revisions.

The site has so far taken more than three decades to be redeveloped, with seven or eight previous proposed schemes failing to get off the drawing board. Recent talks have seen the joint venture go under contract with Guildford Borough Council.

The proposals would be a welcome boost for many in the Surrey commuter-belt town, although have been criticised by some residents over a lack of affordable housing. A number of locals have also voiced concerns over the heights of some buildings.