Current allotment holders and members of the public were invited to two information events this week to understand the relocation of the new North Moor allotment facilities as part of the Slyfield Area Regeneration Project (now known as the Weyside Urban Village). A large laminated illustration of the new site allowed attendees to write or draw their thoughts and offer suggestions on the design of the new facilities.

Cllr Jan Harwood, Lead Councillor for Lead Councillor for Planning, Planning Policy, Housing Delivery through Planning says:

"It was great to see so many residents and allotment holders this week at the information events. We know how passionate people are about gardening in Guildford and we're delighted to be offering such cutting-edge facitilies at the relocated site. The new allotment facilities are fully sustainable and are a great example of a modern, eco-friendly, community gardening project. The innovative and sustainable new facilities will have toilets, storage, meeting space for allotment holders, a patio for socialising and event space as well as brand-new offices for the Guildford Allotment Society (GAS). Working with our partners GAS and the National Allotment Society (NAS) has been incredibly important and helpful, providing insight into the requirements that these amazing new facilities will have."

The Weyside Urban Village is part of the Council's local plan, which was adopted on 25 April 2019. Plans for the project include regenerating brownfield land the size of 30 football pitches by building 1,500 new homes, with 40% being affordable housing and creating opportunities for retail outlets and business space as well as the relocation of the Thames Water Sewage Treatment Works. The redevelopment will be connected to the town centre through the Sustainable Movement Corridor's planned cycle routes and footpaths.

Allotment holders at the current site will have a six-month transitioning period from October 2020 to April 2021. Both the old site and the new site will be open for the movement of vegetation. The next stage of the allotment relocation project is forming a planning application that will be submitted to the Secretary of State at the end of November.