New home for the Aggie Club

Councillors were treated to a tour of the Aggie Club's brand-new temporary facility just 100 yards from their old home. The new community centre and social club opened in February 2023. It is the first step in the multi-million-pound regeneration of Weyside Urban Village.

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

"It was a pleasure to see the new Aggie Club and meet members of the committee. It's a great space for the whole community to come together. Spaces like this are an important focal point for community activities. Creating new places to benefit residents is at the heart of the Weyside Urban Regeneration".

The main hall has capacity for 120 guests. It has a flexible event space with stage area, a members' bar, and a kitchen for the club's popular café. Built using energy efficient technology, the new building has a much lower environmental impact than before.

Lead Councillor for Regeneration John Rigg said:

"Providing a temporary community centre for the Aggie Club is an important milestone in our extensive regeneration plans for Weyside Urban Village. This regeneration is one of the most exciting of its kind in Surrey. The project will create new communities, new homes, and job opportunities. It will help the economic vibrancy of Guildford and support many of the leading institutions and businesses based in our borough.

"More than 1,500 new homes are planned over the next decade to help meet the need for more housing in the borough. 40% of the new homes will be affordable. The development will also provide new community and healthcare facilities, shops, and employment space, alongside transport improvements and significant biodiversity gains.

"The opening of the new club coincides with planning consent to move our Woking Road Depot. A new council depot will improve the efficiency of services that we provide to the community and improve the working environment for our staff."

A new permanent facility for the Aggie Club will also be provided later in the development programme. Until then, the new temporary facility is available for community bookings.

Tasha Lucas, Club Secretary, said:

"Our new centre is proving very popular. We have already received lots of new enquiries for events and weddings. The Aggie Club has been part of the local community for over 50 years. We look forward to welcoming new members and supporting our community for many years to come."

Published on: 21 March 2023