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Residents, businesses and key stakeholders can have their say on a new framework that will guide future development in Woking Town Centre, as part of a 12-week consultation that begins today (Monday 25 July 2022).
Known as a ‘Masterplan’, the document will establish an overarching vision for Woking Town Centre that will enable design-led, sustainable development, such as new homes that meet the needs of residents, a thriving retail and business environment, as well as strengthening Woking’s cultural and leisure offer.
The Masterplan sets out detailed standards and principles that deliver a shared vision of the town centre, such as building heights and density. It will provide a long-term vision of what Woking’s skyline could look like by 2030 and beyond.
With the initial engagement with Woking Residents’ Panel complete, and the Masterplan drafted, it’s now time for residents to have their say on the future development of Woking Town Centre.
Cllr Liam Lyons, Woking Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regulation, said: "A key pledge of this administration is to address the many concerns residents have regarding the design of buildings around the town centre and those that could be built in the future, particularly with regard to height.
“This Masterplan aims to address these concerns and encourage sustainable developments that enable the delivery of well-designed, high-quality developments fit for Woking's future.
“It puts forward a comprehensive, sustainable plan for continuing to make the town centre the borough’s economic hub, attracting inward investment, and as a transport hub, linking people to jobs, services and leisure opportunities. It suggests what infrastructure will be needed to deliver Woking’s continued growth, along with retail and leisure facilities, whilst preserving important environmental and heritage assets.
“This consultation offers residents the opportunity to help shape the place we live in for the future. I would encourage all residents, and those who have an interest in creating a modern, welcoming and vibrant town centre, to get involved and tell us their views.”
Watch our video
Hear more from Cllr Liam Lyons in this short, informative video, followed by an overview of each of the 10 Masterplan themes by Giorgio Framalicco, our Strategic Director – Place.
How to take part
Our comprehensive 12-week Masterplan public consultation starts today (Monday 25 July 2022) and closes on Monday 17 October 2022.
Attend a roadshow event
A series of roadshows will take place at key locations throughout the borough, where residents can view an informative exhibition and speak to officers about the Masterplan. Residents can drop-in on the following dates:
- Byfleet - Thursday 28 July, 6pm to 8.30pm, St Mary's Community Church Hall, 124 Church Road, KT14 7NF
- Sheerwater - Wednesday 3 August, 6pm to 8.30pm, Parkview Centre for the Community, Off Blackmore Crescent, GU21 5NZ
- Goldsworth Park - Monday 8 August, 6pm to 8.30pm, St Andrews Church, Denton Way, GU21 3LG
- Westfield - Tuesday 9 August, 6pm to 8.30pm, St Mark’s Church, GU22 9PB
- Woking - Wednesday 17 August, 6pm to 8.30pm, Christ Church, Jubilee Square, GU21 6YG
In addition to the roadshows, a series of outreach sessions will also be held during September.
Participate in a virtual drop-in session
To complement the roadshows, council officers will host two virtual questions and answers sessions via Zoom. Officers will deliver a short presentation before giving residents the opportunity to ask questions.
To take part book online:
Visit our town centre pop-up shop
The pop-up shop on Mercia Walk opens on Saturday 20 August. Visitors will be able to drop-in to find out more information about each of the Masterplan themes and be able to chat to planning offers. The shop will be open on specific days throughout September. For opening times and dates, visit www.woking.gov.uk/masterplan
Write to Planning Services
Residents can also email planning.policy@woking.gov.uk or write to Planning Policy, Woking Borough Council, Gloucester Square, Woking GU21 6YL to ask questions or send their feedback.