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Woking's fortunes are on the rise, thanks in part to the positive approach being taken by Woking Borough Council to boosting the local economy.

A report to the Council's Executive on the Economic Strategy for Woking highlighted significant progress in delivering the Borough's economic vision to become a premier business location and a place that residents and businesses choose to locate to.

Highlights from the Economic Strategy's first year action plan include:

Woking Town Centre

Whilst many town centres are in decline, the Council has continued to invest in the success of its town centre, providing an improved quality of retailer, restaurant and public space.

The renamed and redeveloped Jubilee Square is widely regarded as having made a huge difference to the attractiveness of the town centre, increasing civic pride and attracting new business. Most notably the restaurant offer through Prêt a Manger and Café Rouge has attracted significant trade.

Progress in shaping Woking's Town Centre continues with Phase 1 of the Commercial Way improvement scheme now underway, generating further retailer and restaurant interest.

Construction of the new covered market along Peacock Walk has also commenced and a planning application for the ambitious Bandstand Square Development will be submitted later in the year.

Business

Council officers have been proactive in meeting with the Borough's major employers with the sole aim of protecting and enhancing employment within the Borough. Officers have engaged with over 40 employers responsible for around 2,500 employees in the Borough. Around 420 local jobs have been safeguarded as companies responded positively to the support they have received to assist them to grow within the Borough.

Wider business feedback has also been positive regarding the Council's plans:

There has also been real progress in attracting new companies to Woking. Officers are aware of at least 14 companies that have located in the area, including several high profile retailers in Woking Town Centre. Major investments announced include Asda, Foster Wheeler and the return of McLaren GT to Sheerwater. Arcom IT also moved into Woking's Export House.

Officers have also taken steps towards opening Woking's first business incubation centre, known as the Connect 2 Innovation Business Incubator, set to open in late July 2013. Offering over 50 desks across 6,100 sq. ft., the Incubator is an entrepreneurial environment offering high quality offices and co-working space, advisory support and services for growth-focused businesses. This adds value to the support offered by Start Up Woking where over 100 start up businesses have been engaged through the Council's business advice programme.

Road to unlocking Sheerwater's potential

In Sheerwater, a `Priority Place' within the Economic Strategy, officers have initiated construction of the new access road that will boost the economic vitality of over 1.2m sq. ft. of business space in the area, helping to support local employment and much needed housing growth.

Cllr Gary Elson, Woking Borough Council's Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, said: "The progress made in the first year is extremely positive for Woking's economy, with a real impact made across our priority areas. However, we won't rest on our laurels. The focus now is on continuing the town centre development plans, as well as developing closer working relationships with independent retailers and restaurants and proactively targeting businesses considering relocating to Woking.

"Both members and officers are committed to building on this success by making Woking a `can do' destination where businesses and people chose to live, work and play, thanks to a strong and diverse economy."

To find out more about the support on offer for local and incoming businesses, please visit www.wokingworks.co.uk Alternative, please call the Woking Works Team on 01483 755855