Date:
Monday, 27 January, 2025
Due to a loose panel on the Hilton hotel, Victoria Way (A320) is currently closed and a signed diversion route is in place.
Statement published 28 January 2025
A spokesperson for Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the design and build contractor for Victoria Square Woking Ltd, said:
“In the aftermath of Storm Herminia on Sunday, which followed immediately after the powerful Storm Eowyn on Friday, one cladding panel was found to be loose on the western elevation of the hotel building.
"In order to ensure the safety of drivers and pedestrians, Victoria Way will need to remain closed until the exterior panel is fixed and further checks have been completed to a number of panels across the building. This will be carried out as soon as the wind speeds are within the safe working limits.
"It is not possible to confirm how long we will require Victoria Way to be closed at this stage, but it is anticipated to be a number of weeks and we will provide further updates as our works progress.
"We apologise for the disruption that the closure of Victoria Way is causing. The hotel and the rest of Victoria Place remain open for business as usual during this period.”
Cllr Ann-Marie Barker, Leader of Woking Borough Council, said:
“Thank you to the emergency services who attended the scene so swiftly when a loose panel was identified on the Hilton Hotel. Whilst the closure of Victoria Way is extremely disruptive and frustrating, safety is everyone’s number one priority.
“I’m very angry that another panel has failed on the hotel building despite assurances from SRM earlier this month that the panels were now safe and secure.
“A course of action has been identified to put things right and the council and Victoria Square Woking Ltd are urging SRM to progress this as quickly as possible. In the meantime, I am committed to keeping you updated and pushing for a permanent resolution so we are not in this situation every time there is an extreme weather event.”