10 March 2017
Flagship Victoria Square development moves a step closer
With construction works to one of the region’s most ambitious retail and residential developments, Victoria Square, scheduled to commence this summer, Bandstand Square Developments Ltd (BSDL) has announced the successful completion of two valuable commercial contracts and the relocation of a large international employer, which will create exciting new employment, retail and leisure opportunities within the town.
High street retailer, Marks & Spencer, has signed a lease for a two-level 50,000 square foot clothing and food store that will become the focal point for the transformed western quarter of Woking Town Centre.
Whilst international hotel operator, Hilton, has signed a management agreement with Bandstand Square Developments Limited. The hotel will feature 196 guest rooms, including 12 suites, a lobby bar, all-day dining restaurant, stylish Sky Bar, and an on-site coffee shop.
Adding to Woking’s credentials is news that the development’s construction partner, Sir Robert McAlpine – one of the country’s leading construction firms famous for constructing the London 2012 Olympic stadium – has chosen Woking for its new south-east regional office, creating new employment opportunities for local people.
In other developments, a number of key retailers will be relocated within Woking Town Centre to facilitate the redevelopment. Retailers include Boots, Bayfield’s Opticians, Dr & Herb, Sante Fe Café and Greggs are all relocating. More information about these moves will follow shortly.
Cllr John Kingsbury, Director of BSDL and Leader of Woking Borough Council, said: “Woking is an ambitious town and thanks to the major redevelopment of the town centre over the past few years, it will soon boast one of the best shopping experiences in the south east.
“By attracting big name retailers and hotel operators, such as Marks & Spencer and Hilton, we are creating an exciting economic environment that will ensure Woking’s vitality and sustainability, whilst achieving a vibrant town centre for which we can all be proud.”
David Ayre, Property Manager at Marks & Spencer, said: “We’re really looking forward to work starting on our store later on this summer. M&S Woking will bring shoppers the very best of M&S’s clothing and food products – as well as outstanding customer service.”
Patrick Fitzgibbon, Senior Vice President, Development, EMEA, Hilton, said: “Hilton Woking joins Hilton’s impressive portfolio of more than 160 trading and pipeline hotels in the UK and Ireland.
“Woking is undergoing a major transformation, with an estimated £500 million funds committed in the next five years. This ambitious regeneration – together with the town’s fantastic connectivity to central London and its main airports – makes it a prestigious location in which to introduce our flagship brand.”
In addition to Marks & Spencer and Hilton Woking, the Victoria Square development will deliver more than 75,000 square feet of new retail floor space, 390 residential apartments, a medical centre, 284 additional car parking spaces and two new public plazas.
The Victoria Square development, comprising the former Woking Market, Post Office, Globe House, Woking Fire Station and part of the existing Wolsey Place Shopping Centre, will be delivered by Bandstand Square Developments Ltd, a joint venture between Moyallen, owners of Peacocks Shopping Centre, and Woking Borough Council.
Whilst the first phase of demolition is almost complete, it is expected that the Victoria Square construction works will commence during summer 2017, with a completion date of 2021.
