Working together: residents asked to help shape the future of Westborough and Park Barn
We're starting community engagement for the Westborough and Park Barn Better Homes Programme. It's an important step in our long-term commitment to providing high quality Council owned homes and creating a thriving, sustainable community.
Some older Council-owned properties in parts of Westborough and Park Barn have ongoing issues, including structural challenges, poor energy efficiency, and difficult access. In response, we're exploring how best to improve homes and the surrounding area through the new programme.
Cllr Julia McShane, Leader of the Council and Lead Councillor for Housing and Corporate Services, says:
"We believe everyone deserves a home they can be proud of - one that is warm, secure, energy efficient, well maintained, and able to support residents and their families at every stage of life.
"There are currently Council-owned properties in Westborough and Park Barn that cannot be occupied. This has an impact on residents, and on families waiting for much-needed Council homes. Our Better Homes Programme will explore long-term solutions that address the issues raised by residents, and ensure the neighbourhood continues to thrive for everyone."
Potential improvements may include:
- upgrades to existing homes
- redevelopment opportunities
- enhancements to shared and public spaces.
Cllr McShane adds: "Developing a long-term plan for the area will bring benefits for all residents - our tenants and homeowners alike. It will give them the opportunity to shape the future of their community, help us to gather the information we need to make the right improvements, and support us in providing the housing our community needs.
"No decisions have been made yet. We are starting a meaningful conversation with residents to understand what matters most to them. By working together and investing in our communities, we can ensure that local people have access to the high-quality affordable homes they need."
Over the coming months, residents will be invited to share their ideas, priorities, and concerns through a range of accessible channels - in person, online, by phone, or in writing.
We're also establishing a new resident engagement group to help guide the programme of work. In time, the group may evolve into a formal Resident Steering Group, offering longer term involvement in the project.
Cllr McShane says: "This is a real opportunity for local people - Council tenants, homeowners, leaseholders and private tenants - to influence the future of their neighbourhood. Their local knowledge and lived experience will be central to shaping the programme and the improvements we make."
Residents interested in joining the engagement group can email wpb-betterhomes@guildford.gov.uk or call 01483 505050.
Further information on the Westborough and Park Barn Better Homes Programme is being sent to households in the project area. It's also available on our website.