At the Guildford Vision Group meeting on 28 April, steering group members reaffirmed their desire to work with residents’ associations, local businesses, the University andSciencePark, along with Guildford Borough Council to create a new vision for Guildford.
A properly researched, professional masterplan is absolutely vital. An effective long term masterplan forGuildfordwould bring all elements together to create an economically vibrant town. These elements would need to include a new traffic masterplan removing the gyratory, the provision of aTown Square, safer routes around town for pedestrians and cyclists, improvements in development of the riverside and so on.
By adopting such a masterplan, GBC would be able to require that all proposed developments be assessed according to all potential areas of impact and would, therefore, ensure that only those developments which added to the quality of life and/or economic viability of Guildford would be acceptable. This would signal the end of piecemeal development in the heart of the town.
There are notable precedents in successful town centre redevelopment. Towns such as Stratford upon Avon and St Albans, have created a better environment for residents and visitors, businesses and educational establishments by using professionally prepared masterplans to coordinate all aspects of the area: traffic, public transport, housing, green spaces, waterways and so on.
The group discussed funding issues. It appears that there are various Government initiatives for town centre redevelopment and, as long asGuildford’s masterplan can demonstrate that it will produce economic growth, it could be eligible for part-funding through grants or EU-funds.
Please do play your part in this. Don’t forget to complete our questionnaire to let us know how you feel about Guildford and the issues which the town is facing or get in touch with us.