25.01.18
Guildford station gets approval for £150m regeneration work
Plans for regeneration at Guildford station have been given the go-ahead by the local planning inspectorate, meaning work on the long-awaited scheme is a step closer to beginning.
Initially put forward in 2014, the plan will involve a new updated station building, office space and 438 new homes in the surrounding area.
Network Rail is undertaking the work as part of a joint venture called Solum, which is a partnership with construction firm Kier.
Around £25m of the total £150m funding will be spent on station improvements, with plans in place to provide a larger ticket hall anticipated to accommodate passenger growth until 2035.
The funding for the station itself will be generated from money made through other sections of the development, including the extra homes and nearly 2,000 sqm of office space.
Network Rail’s managing director for property, David Biggs, said the plans were reflective of increased population growth and increased urbanisation which had forced organisations to be more created with station spaces.
“We at Network Rail are extremely pleased that the planning approval of this fantastic scheme has been achieved,” he commented.
“It will deliver significant benefits to station users and the local community, by releasing land for much needed housing, attracting new businesses, creating jobs, and providing a significantly improved station.
“This development is yet another example of Network Rail partnering with the private sector to unlock land for mixed-use development, while generating funds to reinvest back into the railway.”
The scheme has gone through significant change since its introduction four years ago when it became the seventh of the £500m Solum’s regeneration plans.
Responding to the planning decision, Solum spokesperson Alan Jones, said: “We are very pleased that this exciting brownfield regeneration project has been given the green light. This is a scheme that will transform the area around Guildford Station and provide a new gateway to the town.”
He confirmed that the project had been affected by local opposition during the planning period, but thanked all the residents in the area who had given their support.
Top image: Solum
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