25 July 2022
Shape your place: have your say on Woking’s Town Centre Masterplan
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.
Residents can see the Masterplan and submit their views online at www.woking.gov.uk/masterplan
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.”
Public consultation
The comprehensive 12-week Masterplan public consultation starts today (Monday 25 July 2022) at www.woking.gov.uk/masterplan and closes on Monday 17 October 2022.
The council has produced an informative eight-minute video which provides an overview of each of the 10 themes covered by the Masterplan. It is also hosting a series of roadshow events between 28 July and 17 August, virtual drop-ins, and opening a pop-up shop in the town centre to provide residents with further information and to help people take part in the consultation.
Residents can also email [email protected] or write to Planning Policy, Woking Borough Council, Gloucester Square, Woking GU21 6YL to ask questions or send their feedback.
