8 December 2017
Woking Gateway Regeneration Project
Coplan, a leading company in local authority mixed-use schemes, has been appointed by Woking Borough Council as its development partner for the next significant step in the transformation of Woking Town Centre. Coplan will undertake the main developer role for the Woking Gateway project.
Following a rigorous OJEU Competitive Dialogue process, Coplan has been selected to further progress the Local Development Core Strategy for Woking, which will create a distinctive and vibrant destination, comprising residential and a variety of commercial uses in the heart of the town centre adjacent to the railway station.
The development will deliver modern, energy efficient landmark residential buildings sited on an elevated green public open space that will complement the high quality public realm already established in Woking. In addition, there will be the opportunity for a more aspirational retail and leisure offer, which will create jobs and continue to transform this area of the town centre.
The indicative submission from Coplan is for a development comprising 476 residential units accommodated in three towers. This will sit above circa 4,412 m2 (47,500, sq. ft.) of new commercial space (including the re-provision of community uses) predominantly facing Commercial Way with ancillary servicing and parking accessed from the High Street.
To accommodate the new development existing properties will be acquired and if necessary the Council will consider using its compulsory purchase powers to assist Coplan in achieving possession of the Woking Gateway site.
It should be noted that the indicative scheme is likely to change during the planning process and the final details of any proposal will be considered on their merits by the Planning Committee.
Cllr David Bittleston, Leader of Woking Borough Council, said:
“I am delighted that we are moving to the next phase for the continued growth and evolution of Woking, which will be a huge boost to the local economy and will complement our Victoria Square development. Our chosen partner, Coplan, has a wealth of experience, successfully delivering similar schemes for local authorities and we look forward to working with them as we re-energise and reinvigorate the area.”
Nick Doyle, Managing Director Coplan says:
“We are hugely excited to be selected as Woking Council’s development partner on the Woking Gateway project. This Scheme will also provide an opportunity to deliver a significant number of new homes with various types of tenure which fulfill the Council’s expectations. As specialist mixed use developers for local authority partnership schemes, we understand the requirement of councils and needs of the communities, working hard to ensure that our schemes are beneficial to everyone.“
With the agreement now in place, a full planning application will developed and submitted to the planning authority. Once planning permission is granted, it is anticipated works will commence on site in 2021.
ENDS
About Coplan Estates: Coplan is a private limited company that has been operating for over 12 years specialising in delivering mixed-use development schemes for projects within the M25 and regional towns in the South East. Listening to the needs and expectations of our Local Authority partners has been critical in our success and proven track record in delivering exemplar schemes. For more information please visit: www.coplanestates.com
