Date:
A spokesperson for Sir Robert McAlpine, the design and build contractor for Victoria Square, said: “Further to the damage caused by Storm Darragh to a number of exterior rain screen panels on the hotel, Sir Robert McAlpine is working to secure the building.
“Victoria Way will need to remain closed until the works have been completed to ensure the safety of the residents, businesses and visitors of Woking. This is expected to last until mid-January and could be affected by adverse weather conditions.
“We understand the impact the closure of Victoria Way is causing on the town centre and residential road network at one of the busiest times of the year and apologise for the disruption. Our teams are committed to working through the Holiday period and during weekends to ensure the necessary repairs are completed without delay.”
Cllr Ann-Marie Barker, Leader of Woking Borough Council, added: "Sir Robert McAlpine [SRM] has confirmed that further work is required to identify safety issues with the exterior cladding on the hotel building. In order to ensure public safety, Victoria Way will need to remain closed until mid-January.
"Whilst public safety is paramount, it is hugely disappointing news for Woking. We have already suffered years of delays due to issues with the hotel cladding. A further month of closures will cause inconvenience and delays to residents, businesses and visitors to Woking.
"I am in regular contact with the Victoria Square Woking Ltd team and we are both making it abundantly clear to SRM that we need this problem fixed quickly and that residents and businesses are kept up-to-date.”