Date:
Woking Borough Council has launched a public consultation regarding the future of the Sheerwater Regeneration Project.
Due to its severe financial challenges, the council has decided to end its development agreement with Thameswey, which is mid-way through the delivery of a 1,200 home, multi-phase regeneration scheme in Sheerwater.
Thameswey will continue to work on the three phases currently under construction but will not commence any new phases.
The council is writing to everyone in Sheerwater, who lives in or around the regeneration area (1,300 households), asking for their views on what should happen with the remainder of the site and the vacant properties previously earmarked for demolition.
Speaking about the consultation, Cllr Will Forster, Woking Borough Council’s Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Sheerwater, said: “It’s bitterly disappointing that the council’s financial situation has put a stop to the plans for Sheerwater. I feel immensely sad and frustrated for the residents who are living through the regeneration and are now once again, faced with a great deal of uncertainty.
“The council is committed to listening to the views of residents and wants to involve those living in Sheerwater in what happens next. I want to know which properties they think are worth saving, and which parts of the estate they think could be sold for development.
“The views of residents will be presented to the council’s Executive in the autumn alongside the findings of a project review by property experts, Avison Young, which together, will help us understand how we can achieve the best outcomes for Sheerwater.”
Anyone with an interest in the Sheerwater Regeneration Project can take part in the consultation by visiting www.woking.gov.uk/sheerwaterfuture
Residents can return their completed surveys to any of the following participating venues where additional hard copies of the survey are available: the Eastwood Leisure Centre, MASCOT Hub on Dartmouth Avenue, Parkview Centre for the Community, Sheerwater Health Centre and St Michael's church.
The consultation closes on Sunday 17 September 2023.