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Community Drop In - 24 February 2026

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 12:26:51 GMT

Join us for our first community drop-in of 2026 and find out more about how the regeneration programme is progressing.

When: Tuesday 24 February, 4pm to 7pm
Where: St Peter’s Shared Church, 37 Hazel Avenue, Guildford, GU1 1NP

At this session, we’ll be sharing the latest updates on the regeneration programme, including the approved layouts for the Woking Road junction works at Moorfield Road and Woodland Road.

The drop-in is also an opportunity for you to ask questions, speak with members of the project team, and raise any concerns about the works.

We look forward to welcoming you.

We’ll be holding quarterly drop-ins throughout 2026 to keep the community informed as the projects progress. Sign up for updates and you’ll receive details of the upcoming dates by email.

Work begins to transform two major junctions on the A320 Woking Road

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 12:13:24 GMT

Work begins to transform two major junctions on A320 Woking Road

Work to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and enhance safety at the Woodlands Road and Moorfield Road junctions on Woking Road will begin on Wednesday 25 February 2026. These highways improvements are part of the wider Weyside Urban Village regeneration programme. Both junctions are being upgraded at the same time so the new traffic signals can operate together. This approach will help reduce exit blocking, ease congestion and improve journey reliability along this section of Woking Road.

Woodlands Road junction improvements

At the Woodlands Road junction on Woking Road, the existing roundabout will be replaced with a signal-controlled four-way junction. Co-ordinating this with the nearby Moorfield Road junction will help manage traffic more effectively and reduce delays, especially at busy times.

Moorfield Road junction improvements

At the Moorfield Road junction on Woking Road, a series of upgrades will increase capacity and improve traffic flow. A new northbound lane towards Woking will be added and the existing northbound lane will be converted to another southbound lane. Providing two southbound lanes approaching the junction will help to reduce congestion and make it easier for drivers to turn into the Slyfield Industrial Estate.

A new signal-controlled pedestrian crossing will also be installed, alongside upgraded footways to improve safety and provide better connections with existing walking and cycling routes.

Traffic management measures

The scheme will be delivered in phases, starting with the removal of the Woodlands Road roundabout. This work will take place at night from Tuesday 2 March for around six weeks. A lane closure will be in place overnight for safety and lifted each morning to minimise disruption to daytime traffic.

Councillor Vanessa King, Lead Councillor for Economy and Place said:

“These improvements are another vital step in preparing the local road network for the Weyside Urban Village regeneration scheme. The new layouts will future‑proof the network for new homes and community facilities, while also helping to manage current traffic more effectively. Being committed to becoming a more environmentally responsible borough, we’re also placing strong emphasis on creating safer, more accessible routes for pedestrians and cyclists.

“The Slyfield Industrial Estate is a major economic and commercial hub for Guildford, so improving access is essential for supporting local businesses. By delivering the works in carefully planned phases and managing traffic thoughtfully, we can keep the programme running safely while minimising disruption for residents, businesses and commuters.

“This project is ultimately about preparing the area for the exciting transformation ahead and ensuring that the right access is in place as new homes, infrastructure and facilities come forward.”

New depot progressing on schedule

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 11:01:07 GMT

Our new depot, part of the wider Weyside Urban Village regeneration, is progressing well. Construction will be completed in July ahead of staff moving in later this year. The modern facility will provide essential infrastructure to support our operational services to run more efficiently and sustainably.

Moving the depot to a new location will also free up the existing site to develop much-needed housing as part of the Weyside Urban Village scheme. The new depot site includes three main buildings:

Depot building: a three-storey hub for operational teams, featuring offices, training rooms, meeting spaces, and welfare facilities. It will provide storage facilities, including a secure museum store. A fully equipped vehicle workshop will accommodate heavy goods vehicles.
Multi-storey car park: located to the north of the site, the car park will be used for service vehicles, staff and visitors. It will include electric vehicle (EV) charging points and infrastructure for future EV expansion.
Storage building: dedicated secure storage for grit and salt to support winter operations, alongside general storage and specialist equipment rooms are being provided.

Significant progress has been made across all areas, with structural works complete on the car park and storage building. Infrastructure to support future fleet electrification, including refuse vehicles and gritters, has been installed, alongside fuel and vehicle wash facilities. Internal fit-out is now underway. External fencing and landscaping works are scheduled to begin soon.

Cllr Julia McShane, Leader of Guildford Borough Council, said:

"This investment will free up land for much-needed housing in our borough. It has given us an opportunity to design and build a new depot that will enable us to deliver essential services more efficiently and reduce environmental impact. This supports our commitment to becoming a more sustainable borough."

Patrick Murphy, Divisional Director at McLaren Construction, commented:

"The new depot is taking shape nicely and is on course for completion in the summer. You can already get a sense of how big a team and how many of the council's services can be accommodated together here."

"Some of the features that make this a step change in facilities are already in place, such as charging infrastructure for a future fleet of council vehicles. The site's capabilities will really come to life as we connect water and electricity supplies over the next few months."

"It's been a real pleasure to get to know new colleagues from the Guildford area as they have taken their first steps in construction industry careers. We hope they will be proud of the work they have done on the depot and will use their skills for many years to come.

October Community Drop in

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 14:29:33 GMT

October Community Drop in update

On Thursday 9 October we hosted a community drop in at the Aggie Club. On Thursday 9 October, we hosted a community drop-in event at the Aggie Club, where residents had the chance to learn more about the progress being made across several key local projects.

On display were information boards highlighting updates on the new depot, the upcoming nature reserve, and the highway improvement programme. The event provided an opportunity for the community to see how these workstreams are moving forward and to ask questions about what’s next.

If you couldn’t make it on the day, you can download the display boards

We’ll be holding quarterly drop-ins throughout 2026 to keep the community informed as the projects progress. Sign up for updates and you’ll receive details of the upcoming dates by email.

Bellfields Junction improvements

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 08:01:19 GMT

Next phase of improvements to begin at Woking Road/ Bellfields Junction in Guildford

Work to upgrade the Woking Road/Bellfields Junction will begin on Wednesday 24 September. These highways improvements are part of our Weyside Urban Village (WUV) regeneration project.

What will the scheme deliver?

a new dedicated bus lane

an upgraded bus shelter

a new pedestrian footway

the existing crossing is also being upgraded to a safer, signal-controlled crossing

Why is the council making these improvements?

They are designed to make public transport more accessible and enhance pedestrian safety. They form part of a series of improvements that will:

mitigate the impacts of the new WUV development

enable people to travel more safely and efficiently, whether by foot, bike, bus, or car.

Traffic management during the works

Woking Road will remain open throughout the works. Two-way traffic will be maintained, although lanes will be narrower. Drivers are asked to take extra care when passing through the junction.

The existing bus lane near the junction will be temporarily closed.

The Stoke Bridges bus stop will be suspended. The nearest bus stop will be at School Close.

Pedestrian routes will be signposted with safe diversions in place.

Overnight road closures to resurface and repaint road markings will only be needed towards the end of the programme. The closures will be limited in duration. The 29-week work programme also allows for necessary infrastructure works by utility companies.

Cllr Tom Hunt, Deputy Leader and Lead Councillor for Economy and Place, said:

"This is the third improvement scheme we've delivered this year as part of the Weyside Urban Village regeneration. The new toucan crossing on Woking Road has already been completed, improvements to Bellfields Road are due to finish in October, and now we're starting work at Bellfields Junction.

"Each of these schemes is part of a joined-up package of improvements designed to work together. Once complete, they will improve road safety, keep traffic moving, and encourage more sustainable ways to travel. We're making real progress, and residents are seeing the benefits build as each stage is delivered."

Have your say on Clay Lane improvements

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 12:09:47 GMT

Have your say on Clay Lane improvements

Surrey County Council is proposing safety and accessibility upgrades on Clay Lane, including a raised pedestrian crossing and a new 30mph speed limit.

The changes are designed to support the creation of the Burpham Court Farm Nature Reserve, a project led by Guildford Borough Council that will transform 45.9 hectares of land next to Clay Lane into a publicly accessible green space.

Residents and road users are invited to share their views. The consultation is open until 12 September 2025.

�� View the proposals and take part in the consultation .

For more information about Burpham Court Farm Nature Reserve visit the project page here.

June community drop in session

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 10:02:35 GMT

Join us on Thursday 12 June at our community drop in at the Aggie Club

As part of our continued commitment to keeping the community informed, we are hosting a drop-in session about the Weyside Urban Regeneration Scheme.

Location: The Aggie Club, Bellfields Road, Guildford, GU1 1QG
Date: Thursday, 12 June 2025
Time : 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

This informal event is an opportunity to:

Discover the latest regeneration plans
Hear about upcoming improvement works
Speak directly with members of the project team and ask questions

We look forward to seeing you there.

Bellfields and Slyfield Magazine March 2025

Fri, 30 May 2025 10:22:36 GMT

Read the latest project updates in the Bellfields & Slyfield Magazine

in this edition we have updates us on several projects including:

The installation of a new ‘toucan’ crossing
Progress at Burpham Court Farm Nature Reserve
Work on the new council depot

There is also information about the next community drop in session on 12 June at the Aggie Club. You can read the full article here

New toucan crossing on Woking Road

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:12:24 GMT

New toucan crossing on Woking Road

Work to install a new toucan crossing on Woking Road will begin on Tuesday 6 May 2025. This light-controlled crossing for pedestrians and cyclists will replace the existing uncontrolled crossing between Old Woking Road and Fir Tree Road.

The new toucan crossing will improve safety, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to cross at the same time. It is named "toucan," as "two-can cross.”

The work is expected to take approximately nine weeks to complete, subject to weather conditions. Working hours will be from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm.

Traffic management measures

Woking Road will remain open throughout the works. Only one lane will be closed at a time, either northbound or southbound, depending on work requirements.
Single-lane closures will be in place daily between 10am and 4pm. Closed lanes will reopen after 4pm each day.
A temporary pedestrian crossing will be installed to ensure public safety. During the time required for its installation and removal, an approved pedestrian diversion route will be in place.
Temporary traffic lights will be used to safely manage vehicle flow during the works.
Full overnight closures will be needed to resurface and paint white lines on the road. These closures will be split into two phases: approximately three nights, followed by a seven day break, then a further two nights. Overnight hours will be from 8pm to 6am.
Signage will be in place to notify people when the night works will be taking place.

The new crossing is part of a wider series of planned highway improvements that form part of the Weyside Urban Village regeneration transport strategy. These are designed to mitigate the impact of the development while improving access, traffic flow, and safety for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.

The full programme of highways works will be delivered over the next three years. Works planned for the coming months will take place at Bellfields Road, Bellfields Junction and Slyfield.

Deputy Leader and Lead Councillor for Regeneration, Tom Hunt, said:
“Our priority has always been to deliver the necessary infrastructure to support the Weyside Urban Village ahead of its development. This ensures the community benefits from improved roads and public spaces at the very start of the project.

“While we appreciate that these highway improvements may cause some short-term disruption, they are essential. The works are a crucial part of the wider infrastructure improvements we’re investing in. We want to ensure safer, more efficient travel for all and support the long-term growth of Guildford.”

The Weyside Urban Village project team hold quarterly drop-in sessions at Aggie Club where people can find out more about the project and ask questions. The next drop-in is scheduled for Thursday 12 June between 4pm and 7pm.

Construction of new council depot begins

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 07:51:28 GMT

Construction of new council depot begins

Construction of Guildford Borough Council’s new depot is set to begin following the appointment of McLaren Construction (Southern) Limited as the main contractor.

The new facility will allow the council to co-locate services into a single, purpose-built location and improve service efficiency. Once completed, it will be home to several council departments and services, including the teams that empty the bins, clean the streets, and manage parks and green spaces. Housing services and some administration teams will also be based there.

The site will feature new modern office space, an MOT Testing Centre, engineering workshops and storage for the museum. The depot will also be equipped with green technologies, such as EV charging bays, that will accelerate our ongoing drive to become a more sustainable borough.

Deputy Leader and Lead Councillor for Regeneration, Cllr Tom Hunt says: “Relocating the current depot will release valuable land for the development of much-needed new housing in our borough.

"Over the past six months, we’ve worked closely with McLaren Construction during a robust and thorough design process. This means we’re well-prepared before the construction of this important project begins.

“The new facility has been designed with input from the staff who will be based there, and a focus on sustainability and improving operational efficiency. The buildings will use less energy, less water and significantly reduce our carbon emissions. The inclusion of electric charging bays for vehicles will also support a transition to a greener fleet.

“I’m delighted that construction can now begin.”

McLaren Construction has a strong track record in major building projects and a commitment to best practices for sustainable construction.

The managing director for industrial and logistics at McLaren Construction, David Gavin, comments: “At a time of limited budgets, the new depot delivers comfortable and attractive working environments for a wide range of council functions while also achieving great value for money. It should have a long and useful life for the council, adapting easily as the range of services and technologies change.”

Construction of the new depot is expected to complete in summer 2026.

Once the new depot becomes operational, the current depot site will be redeveloped as part of the Weyside Urban Village regeneration scheme. This project aims to deliver 1,550 high-quality new homes to help meet the borough’s housing needs. It is part of a programme for housing-led regeneration of sites that the council owns. The scheme will also include new health facilities, community, employment and green spaces, as well as major improvements to existing infrastructure.

Burpham Court Farm set for major transformation into a nature reserve

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 10:03:05 GMT

Burpham Court Farm set for major transformation into a nature reserve

Guildford residents and visitors will soon be able to enjoy a new country park. Burpham Court Farm is a large area of green space along the River Wey. It is set to be transformed into a thriving wildlife haven. Work is scheduled to begin this month, following the selection of a contractor.Previously this land was designated as agricultural land and inaccessible to the public. It will be converted into a nature reserve, offering new recreation opportunities. The site, with the River Wey running through it, will become a scenic and ecologically rich green space. Key features of the new nature reserve include:

a 3.6-kilometre circular walking trail
a network of pathways and informal footpaths
four new pedestrian entrances for improved access
a free car park for visitors
wildflower meadows, restored wetlands, and extra tree planting
expanded reedbed habitat and hedgerow restoration
new picnic areas, seating, and signage

The transformation is being funded by Guildford Borough Council, as part of the Weyside Urban Village regeneration project.

Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace

Essential to development at Weyside is the creation of Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace, often called SANG. The new SANG at Burpham Court Farm will help to:

protect the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area
support local wildlife
provide recreational space for residents and visitors to enjoy

L ead Councillor for Regeneration and Economic Development, Cllr Tom Hunt, commented:

"A key focus of the Weyside Urban Regeneration Scheme is the creation of new green spaces. These spaces have been designed to enhance biodiversity and provide accessible outdoor areas for the community.

"Equal in size to around 60 football pitches, Burpham Court Farm Nature Reserve will offer a stunning landscape, rich in wildlife, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers, walkers, and families.

"Located within walking distance of the Weyside regeneration area, this new green space will serve as a valuable community resource for relaxation and outdoor enjoyment."

Bellfields and Slyfield Magazine March 2025

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 15:07:46 GMT

Bellfields and Slyfield Magazine March 2025

In the latest issue of Bellfields & Slyfield Pages, we're excited to feature the upcoming transformation of Burpham Court Farm into a vibrant nature reserve. This initiative, led by Guildford Borough Council, will enhance nearly 50 hectares of land, creating diverse habitats for local wildlife and offering new recreational spaces for the community.

For more information, check out the latest issue here: Bellfields & Slyfield Pages .

Demolition works start

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 10:02:05 GMT

Demolition of 30 Woking Road begins

Demolition work to take down a house at the entrance to Woking Road Depot started on 7 October. We appointed Collards, who specialise in demolition, to complete this work. The demolition should take three to four weeks.

Timing of works from 7 October:

Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm
no work will take place at weekends

There will still be access in and out of the council depot during the demolition and council services will not be affected. The demolition is part of our preparations, ahead of building the new council depot planned for 2025.

Summer update

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 13:45:16 GMT

Weyside update in Bellfield and Slyfield Magazine

The August/September edition of the Bellfields & Slyfield Pages is now out. This is a bi-monthly publication that covers local news, events, and community stories.

In this edition we focus on several exciting developments including the approval of plans for a new council depot and important local upgrades.

The next update will be in October /November.

You can read the full update here: Bellfields & Slyfield Pages.

Weyside featured in Bellfields and Slyfield pages

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 10:44:13 GMT

Weyside Urban Village updates now featured in Bellfields & Slyfield Pages

Regular updates about the Weyside Urban Village regeneration will now feature in the Bellfields & Slyfield Pages. This is a bi-monthly publication that covers local news, events, and community stories.

In the first issue, we have an update on the project’s progress and what to expect in the coming months.

Every other month we provide regular updates on progress and what to expect. The next update will be in August/September.

For more information, check out the latest issue here: Bellfields & Slyfield Pages .

Engaging communities: a consultation update

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 15:35:39 GMT

We've been actively consulting and engaging with the local community on several smaller projects that form part of the overall Weyside Regeneration Project.

Recent Consultations:

January 2024 - Revised Council Depot Layout:

In January 2024, we consulted on the revised layout for the new council depot, a project that received approval in March 2023. A planning application is being prepared and will be submitted to Guildford Borough Council in the coming weeks. More information about the new proposal can be found on the Depot page.

September 2023 - Phase 3 Proposals:

Our September 2023 consultation focused on Phase 3, where we unveiled plans for approximately 175 homes, featuring a mix of thoughtfully designed houses and apartments. Your feedback has been invaluable in shaping the vision for this crucial phase. A planning application has been submitted to Guildford Borough Council. The Phase 3 page will be updated when the planning application has been validated.

Latest Developments: Stringers Common Deregistration and Restricted Works Application

Following informal and formal consultations an application was made to the Secretary of State to deregister and exchange an area of common land at Stringers Common. This application also includes proposed restricted works on the common land. We awaiting the outcome of the application. The review process involves careful consideration by the Secretary of State, taking into account various factors, including community feedback and environmental impact assessments.

Once we receive the decision on the application, we will share the outcome with you.

Stay Connected:

Regular updates, upcoming events, and new opportunities for community involvement will be shared here. Your continued participation is key.

Guildford Borough Council wins national planning award

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 12:13:43 GMT

Weyside Urban Village has won the 'Best use of publicly owned land and, or property placemaking' category in the Planning Awards 2023

The award recognises our approach to free up previously developed land for new homes and community facilities.

By working with other landowners we have freed up more than 30 hectares of brownfield land. This is equal to 21 and half football pitches. Using land in this way is more sustainable and socially responsible.

Existing water and waste infrastructure facilities will move to new sites. A new sewage treatment works, and waste depot will be built, bringing new modern facilities to Guildford. These will be more efficient and contribute to our action on climate change.

The land freed up will be used to build 1,550 high-quality new homes. Up to a third of the site will provide new green spaces for recreation, wellbeing, and healthier lifestyles. 1,200 new trees will contribute to an expected net gain in biodiversity of 20%.

Deputy Leader and Lead Councillor for Regeneration, Cllr Tom Hunt said:

"We're thrilled to have won this award. We beat strong competition from three other excellent projects. Our ability to work in partnership on such a complex project has been instrumental in driving the development forward.

"Weyside Urban Village makes great use of public land, balancing the need for new housing and the protection of the natural environment.

"WUV will make a significant contribution towards meeting our borough’s housing needs. There will be a good mix of properties that will support and encourage low-carbon living. We'll be prioritising affordable housing in the first phase of development."

Editor's Notes:

Infrastructure changes taking place:

Thames Water will move its Sewage Treatment Works to a former landfill site.
Surrey County Council will move its Recycling Centre and introduce an improved waste transfer station.
Some allotment holders at Bellfields allotments have already relocated to new sites in the borough.
A new council Depot has received planning permission.
Investment will go into a new Sustainable Movement Corridor that prioritises active travel with car-free walking and cycling routes.

New council depot approved

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 12:52:25 GMT

The relocation of the Woking Road Depot means that the current site can be redeveloped as part of the Weyside Urban Regeneration.

Planning permission for a new council depot was approved on 19 June 2024. The relocation of the Woking Road Depot means that the current site can be redeveloped as part of the Weyside Urban Regeneration.

A new council depot, MOT testing centre and multi-storey car park will be built in Slyfield Green. The new facility will house council vehicles as well as staff teams including the parks, housing repairs and waste services departments.

The plans also include new workshops, staff amenities and electric charging bays.

Together with the proposed relocation of the SCC waste transfer station to the south and the proposed relocation of the Thames Water development to the north, the new depot would act as a vital piece of infrastructure for the delivery of basic services to the wider community.

New home for the Aggie Club

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 12:34:20 GMT

As part of the Weyside Urban Village regeneration, the Aggie Club have a new temporary home

As part of the Weyside Urban Village regeneration, the Aggie Club have been provided with a new temporary building.

The new club opened on 1 Feb 2023 and is the first step in the multi-million-pound regeneration. Just 100 meters from their former home the new temporary facility has capacity for 120 people, an events hall, members’ bar area, kitchen for the club’s popular café. activities.

Built using energy efficient technologies it has a low environmental impact. A new permanent facility will be provided later in the development programme; until then, the new temporary facility will be available for community use.

The Aggie Club has one of the best cafes in Guildford and a large hall which is available for hire for community and charity events, parties, weddings and birthdays. More information about the clubs activities and how to contact them is available on their Facebook page.

The old building will now be demolished as part of the works to deliver the first phase of the regeneration scheme. The planning application for Phase 1 has been submitted, ( application ref 20/P/02155 ).

Thames Water to deliver a new sewage works for Guildford

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 11:57:55 GMT

Thames Water to build first new sewage works since 2005

Planning permission was granted by Surrey County Council for a new Guildford Sewage Works. The new works will be built on brownfield land and replace the existing site which Guildford Borough Council will use for local housing.

This will be the first new sewage works to be built by Thames Water since Reading STW opened more than 14 years ago.

Facilitated by Guildford Borough Council the new state of the art facility will cater for a growing population and eradicate odour while improving the local environment.

Site of the new plant will have space for future expansion in line with modelled growth and the impact of climate change.

Secretary of State clarifies decision on Bellfield Allotments

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 13:08:08 GMT

The Secretary of State's decision allows us to relocate allotment plots from Bellfields Road.

The Secretary of State for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has supported our application to deregister part of Bellfield Allotments. This provides clarity to the area of land to be released for housing.

The Secretary of State's decision allows us to relocate allotment plots from Bellfields Road.

We have created new allotment plots at North Moors and added extra plots at the Aldershot Road allotment. The North Moors allotment site will include a meeting room, office, kitchen, and toilet facilities.

The Weyside Urban Village regeneration project will provide much needed housing, as well as new community and business facilities.

A total of 113 new plots across the two sites are now ready for occupation.

Lead Councillor for Regeneration, Cllr John Rigg said: "We are working very hard to deliver Affordable Housing for our local community. This is despite the considerable economic and logistical challenges that we face.

"We welcome the decision by the Secretary of State and are pleased to resolve this matter. We can now progress with the project.

"The first phase of housing will consist of 81 new homes including 40% Affordable Homes. Many of these will be available to people on our Housing Register."

Major council investment unlocked for Weyside Urban Village infrastructure

Wed, 08 Jan 2020 12:10:30 GMT

Significant funding to unlock the infrastructure phase of the Weyside Urban Village project in Guildford was approved

Councillors agreed to approve a capital budget of £359.504 million to enable the infrastructure phase of Weyside Urban Village Project to begin.

Cllr Caroline Reeves, Leader of the Council says: "Weyside Urban Village is the most exciting and important infrastructure project in our borough and we are delighted to see it move forward with the approval of this significant council investment. The Weyside Urban Village project will help deliver much-needed housing, community space and employment opportunities for our borough and we look forward to seeing work begin on site in the next year."

Additional funding for the project includes an EM3 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) grant of £7.5 million and a £52.3 million grant from the Housing Infrastructure Fund.

Cllr Reeves adds: "As with all such significant investments, we will have a rigorous system of financial checks and balances in place to ensure the council taxpayer receives best value for money throughout this complex and important project."

As part of the Weyside Urban Village project, residents will also benefit from a newly-relocated state-of-the-art sewage treatment works provided by key partner Thames Water.

About the Weyside Urban Village

It is 41-hectare brownfield regeneration scheme that will deliver 1,500 homes, as well as 2,000 square metres of community space and 6,500 square metres of employment space. The development will help meet the essential need for more housing in the borough, with 40% affordable housing available as part of the new community.
It will help regenerate this area of Guildford, creating a vibrant new community with a mix of affordable housing with easy access into the town centre along the riverbank.
Community space where local residents can come together is a key part of the development and we will be consulting local residents for their views about how we can best provide areas that everyone can enjoy.
The site is a key strategic site in the Guildford Borough Local Plan and will be connected to the town centre and station through the Sustainable Movement Corridor's planned cycle routes and footpaths.

Major investment approved for Weyside Urban Village

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 12:05:14 GMT

The new Weyside Urban Village project took another significant step forward today as the Chancellor announced that the council's bid for £52.3 million from the Housing Infrastructure Fund to support the provision of 1,500 new homes on the site has been successful.

The Weyside Urban Village project (Slyfield Area Regeneration Project) is a key strategic site in the Guildford Borough Local Plan. Situated next to the River Wey, just two kilometres from the historic town centre, the development will be connected to the town centre and station through the Sustainable Movement Corridor's planned cycle routes and footpaths. It supports the development of 1,500 homes, 40% of which are affordable and employment space on a 41 ha. brownfield site currently used for a Thames Water Sewage Treatment Works and a Guildford Borough Council depot.

Cllr Caroline Reeves, Leader of Guildford Borough Council, says: "We are delighted that our bid for significant funding from central government has been successful. This will enable us to progress with our plans to build the homes our borough needs on this key strategic site in Guildford.

"The Weyside Urban Village will be a sustainable development with a mix of accommodation suitable for all, from families to young people and those downsizing. With links to our Sustainable Movement Corridor, residents will be able to cycle and walk into the town centre along the River Wey."

New allotments at North Moor planned

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 12:10:42 GMT

The relocation of Bellfields allotments to a brand new site at North Moors will provide new modern allotment plots for tenants

The new sustainable allotments will have many 'green' features including recycled accommodation units, rain water harvesting, ecological enhancement, tree retention and protection and permeable surfacing to footpaths and parking areas.

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.

Regeneration hailed 'groundbreaking' as council agrees way forward with Thames Water

Tue, 04 Jun 2019 11:46:28 GMT

A major redevelopment of a sewage treatment site into a housing estate with around 1,500 homes has been hailed “ground-breaking” and “novel”.

Contracts have been signed between Guildford Borough Council and Thames Water who have agreed a way forward to deliver the Slyfield Area Regeneration Project.

The development has already been 15 years in the making, but on Monday (June 3) bosses from the council and water company were joined by government housing chiefs to formally launch the major redevelopment that will become Weyside Urban Village.

Around 1,500 homes will be built - with 40% being affordable - and the Thames Water treatment works will be relocated from the site on Woking Road freeing up brownfield land for the scheme.

Industrial works sites will also be provided.

This is the first time a water company has worked with a council on such a project, and one that Thames Water’s chief operating officer Steve Spencer said would be closely watched by the industry.

The scheme has also received praise from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

Anton Draper, head of investment and regeneration at MHCLG, congratulated Guildford on how it had worked on a way to free up brownfield sites to deliver housing.

Minister of State for housing Kit Malthouse MP, who has joined the race for Conservative leadership role, was originally due to attend but sent his apologies.

The government's housing department has a national target of 300,000 homes by mid 2020's.

Guildford's Local Plan has a target of 10,678 new homes by 2034.

Mr Draper said: “If we are going to make the 300,000 homes a year, which is the target, we need more councils like this that are driving forward really good partnership and delivery and more examples of how to make use of brownfield land."

Mr Spencer said relocating the treatment works, which could take three years including the decontamination of the site ready for housing development, was an opportunity for them to use more modern technology.

Thames Water have not built a new plant since Reading in 2005.

He said they now had newer odour control equipment and ways to treat the sewage that needed smaller sites.

He said: “It’s novel and it’s exciting. It’s ground-breaking. Other water companies are coming to talk to us to understand how this has been coming together.”

Costs for the scheme are still deemed “commercially sensitive” with funding coming from government grants, Enterprise M3 LEP (Local Enterprise Partnerships) and the council.

Agreeing on the “complex” scheme has been a “stumbling block” project staff said due to the understanding of how it will all work involving the council and the water company.

Surrey County Council has been involved in talks to support the road and waste infrastructure needed in place.

SCC deputy leader cllr Colin Kemp, who was at the launch, said: “We have been enabling and supporting this to make it happen. It’s been a very hard journey but now we have got over this major hurdle.”

Finer details are still being worked on and planning applications have to be submitted to both the county and borough council for approval.

James Whiteman, GBC managing director, said the signing of the agreement contract was "a significant milestone" for the council.

He said the energy-efficient homes would be sustainable.

Guildford council leader Cllr Caroline Reeves said: “This has been a project that has been going on for a very long time. Many different councillors have been involved. Residents in Stoke will be pleased to know they are getting a new sewage works.

“This is a major project for us and something we must support to ensure we get the absolute best for everybody. It’s an opportunity to create and new and vibrant community.”

The Slyfield Area Regeneration Project (SARP) is designated as a Housing Zone by Homes England. The 41 acres site is currently used for Thames Water Sewage Treatment Works (STW) a Guildford Borough Council (GBC) depot and Surrey County Council (SCC) waste management facilities.

The area is designated a strategic site in the borough's Local Plan.