Residents, employers and other members of the community are invited to attend the public unveiling of Guildford Vision Group’s (GVG) new town centre Plan on 1st February at The Baptist Millmead Centre, Millmead, Guildford, GU2 4BE from 7.00-8.30pm.
GVG has been working with David Leonard of Leonard Design Architects, a nationally-respected architectural and design practice, to develop in more detail the themes and vision of a masterplan for Guildford.
An initial masterplan was commissioned and approved by Guildford Borough Council early last year but has yet to be adopted as part of formal planning policy.
Share ideas
GVG will share its ideas for development with the public at the open meeting and David Leonard will describe the features and benefits of the GVG Plan.
The meeting will discuss how the Plan can shape the town centre for the better.
The new masterplan includes greater – and safer – space for pedestrians in the town centre and the redevelopment of the riverside. It offers leisure, retail and employment opportunities fit for today’s world in an environment that complements Guildford’s heritage.
New housing
It also delivers much-needed new housing in the centre of the town.
A new crossing over the railway that takes traffic around, rather than through, the town centre is integral to the new masterplan, making Guildford safer for pedestrians and less polluted.
A study by local consultancy Motion, endorses this concept and shows this to be the best solution for re-arranging central traffic routes.
The new crossing enables better access to town and station and greater reliability. It helps deliver an integrated transport network designed to encourage people to use their cars less.
A beautiful town centre
John Rigg, Chairman of the Guildford Vision Group, said: “The Guildford Vision Group wants to see a beautiful town centre and regenerated riverside created with people in mind. Right now we have no town square, few fully pedestrianised streets, and limited space for people to sit and enjoy the river. Roads are clogged with traffic and it is difficult for businesses to flourish.
“Our new Town Plan addresses all these aspects and more, and we encourage residents, businesses and the wider community to come along and hear more about our vision.
“There are now new development and project teams in place at the Council, and we look forward to active discussions with them about how the goals of the plan can be achieved successfully. Guildford has to get it right to survive.”
Campaign
The Guildford Vision Group was formed in 2012 to campaign for a holistic approach to the development of Guildford, one based on people and placemaking rather than piecemeal expansion. While Guildford Borough Council created a Masterplan for the town in 2015, it has yet to commit to delivering it. GVG continues to work to ensure the best elements of GBC’s Masterplan are put into action but its own Plan – to be unveiled at the public meeting – recommends key changes.
The Baptist Millmead Centre is located in Millmead, Guildford, GU2 4BE. For further information email GVG Campaign Manager, Yvonka Wilkinson on action@guildfordvisiongroup.com
Ends
Issued by: Property House Marketing – 01483 561119 lisa@housegroup.co.uk
Notes for Editors
Guildford Vision Group (GVG) formed in 2012 as a response to Guildford Borough Council’s initial draft Town Centre Framework, to argue the urgent need of a long-term vision for the development of Guildford, one in which the sustainable vitality of the town and its enterprise is ensured. GVG is independent, and has no affiliations or vested interests. Further information is available at www.guildfordvisiongroup.com