23 January 2014
Victoria Square and Fire Station applications submitted
Two major planning applications have been submitted to Woking Borough Council for the redevelopment of the western part of town centre to deliver a new fire station and Victoria Square, a comprehensive, retail led mixed use development.
The development will be delivered by Bandstand Square Developments Limited (BSDL) a joint venture between Moyallen, owners of Peacocks Shopping Centre, Surrey County Council and Woking Borough Council.
The Victoria Square site comprises the former Woking Market (currently being relocated to Peacock Walk), the site of the former post office, Globe House, the existing Woking Fire Station, Bandstand Square civic space, a number of existing retail units including Boots, who will be relocated into the scheme, part of Export House, the Red and Yellow Car Parks and some of the surrounding road network including Victoria Way, Cawsey Way and Church Street West.
The proposed fire station is to be built on land at Goldsworth Road; currently containing the CTD Tile Showroom, Cavendish House and Units 1 to 6 Butts Road.
Following the public consultation events during 2013, the detailed design of the scheme has been finalised. The Victoria Square proposal will deliver 125,000 sq ft of new retail floorspace anchored by Marks & Spencer; a 190 bed four star hotel with conference facilities, spa and gym in a 21 storey tower; 392 residential apartments in two towers of 28 and 34 storeys; space for a medical centre; 380 additional car parking spaces, and two new public plazas.
The new fire station is larger than the existing, with 20 residential units above, and will be delivered prior to the decommissioning of the existing facility.
Councillor John Kingsbury, Leader of Woking Borough Council, commented " the proposals provide a unique opportunity to improve the town centre facilities for residents and visitors and to attract new business . With up to 730 jobs being created, Victoria Square will provide an exciting new quarter for Woking, anchored by Marks & Spencer, who are making a welcome return to the town".
Councillor David Hodge Leader of Surrey County Council commented that "Our new fire station proposals are important for Woking - they'll give our crews state-of-the-art facilities and then free up the old site for a regeneration that will grow Surrey's economy and create hundreds of local jobs."
Peter Robinson from Moyallen added "we have engaged with the public and other stakeholders and resolved the detailed design taking into account the comments received. We look forward to continuing to work with stakeholders as the scheme progresses ".
The applications have been submitted and the plans and accompanying reports will be available on the Councils website, at the Council Offices, or on the scheme website www.victoriasquarewoking.co.uk.
To view and make represenations on both planning applications, please visit the Council's Planning Portal and type the relevant planning reference number into the 'Search' box.
PLAN/2014/0014 for Victoria Square development
PLAN/2014/0015 for Fire Station.
