Working with Wates to deliver 248 new homes

We've announced a significant new partnership with the Wates Group. The Group is a family-owned development, building, and property maintenance company. Together we will be developing a site in the heart of Guildford.

The £86 million project will:

• transform a car park site into a vibrant urban neighbourhood
• deliver up to 248 new homes with a commitment to 40% affordable housing

Our commitment

• we're committing up to £39.7 million from the Housing Revenue Account to buy the affordable housing
• this housing will be added to the 5,000 council homes it already owns and manages

What the initial proposals include

The design work already carried out has set the scope for a sustainable housing scheme:

• 98 new affordable rent and shared ownership homes
• a balanced mix of one, two, and three-bedroom homes with some townhouses
• blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment

Before finalising the design and seeking planning permission, we will undertake extensive public and stakeholder consultation.

How we'll design the development

The development will be designed to:

• meet and exceed Future Homes Standards
• achieve approximately a 90% reduction in carbon emissions
• enhance and improve the natural habitat
• achieve a 30% Biodiversity Net Gain

What the location offers

The location boasts excellent connectivity:

• a 12-minute walk to the town centre via a pedestrian bridge
• only an eight-minute walk to Guildford train station.
• regular bus services and pedestrian routes

Social value programs

Wates will be delivering a social value programme valued at around £11 million.

Jobs and training

• creating 40 new jobs for local residents
• offering extensive training, work, and upskilling opportunities

For the community

Wates has launched a variety of programs that benefit all age groups. They include support for:

local community organisations

• public art projects
• literacy initiatives
• foodbank support
• volunteering campaigns

Leader of the Council and Lead Councillor for Housing, Cllr Julia McShane said:

"I'm passionate about making Guildford an inclusive place to live. A town where local people can find homes that meet their needs, at a price they can afford.

"This new neighbourhood will include a mix of new council homes for rent and affordable homes to buy.

"Our focus is to create a high quality, sustainable development where people are proud to live."

Cllr McShane is pleased we're appointing Wates Group as our development partner.

The company has shown that it:

• shares our values
• has the expertise to complete this development to a high standard.

Housing-led regeneration of sites that we own

The Guildford Park Road development is part of this wider programme.

Published on: 24 July 2024