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One of Woking’s most iconic buildings is set for a facelift, as works to transform part of Woking town centre’s business district gets underway.
Built in 1986, Dukes Court was viewed as a symbol of Woking’s economic growth, offering 220,000 sq. ft. of premium office accommodation. The plans will ensure Dukes Court continues to play an important role in the town’s future.
Central to the works is a new landscaped pedestrianised public plaza along Duke Street, between the junctions with Locke Way and The Broadway, creating a pleasant, welcoming open space for tenants and members of the public to enjoy.
There will be a new restaurant adding to Woking’s growing culinary reputation, a huge living ‘green’ wall that will improve air quality, new signage and pedestrian routes to enhance the visitor experience.
In addition to the part pedestrianisation of Duke Street, improvements will be made to the junctions of Maybury Road, Stanley Road and The Broadway. Access to Dukes Court will also be altered by changing the main vehicle access point to Stanley Road.
Cllr Ayesha Azad, Woking Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Asset Management, said: “These important enhancements to Dukes Court and the public realm are set to transform this part of Woking town centre.
“We acquired the site in September 2018, as part of our strategic property investment programme, which has therefore enabled us to make these improvements to Dukes Court that will encourage the retention of existing town centre-based employers, whilst attracting new business creating jobs and opportunities for the benefit of our borough.”
Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-November, with works conducted in phases. Completion is expected early 2021.
For further information about the project, including an animation revealing the exciting plans for Dukes Court and surrounding area, please visit www.woking.gov.uk/dukescourt