The Guildford Vision Group (GVG) was founded in 2011 in response to Guildford Borough Council’s initial draft Town Centre Framework, which we believed was lacking in vision and inspiration.

We are a group of residents, almost all with a background in property, transport and planning, and we share a common goal and passion: that Guildford will become an even more attractive, vibrant and pleasant town to live and work in.

Since our first meeting, we’ve campaigned for a proper plan that will see the town developed based on one integrated strategy. We were delighted when the council commissioned a masterplan for Guildford.

However, the council has yet to commit to this plan, which was restricted in its scope when it came to infrastructure. We therefore continue to push for its best elements and for new elements, such as the river crossing that will carry traffic around the centre.

GVG commissioned its own masterplan with considerable help from Leonard Design Architects, a practice of international repute. We have presented our plan to the Council and continue to urge its leadership to give it careful consideration.

Chairman’s statement

Guildford is at the most significant crossroads in its 1,000 year history, and our town now needs your help.

With growing pressures on housing, business, traffic and infrastructure, we have a stark choice – either our town continues with the piecemeal development it has suffered since the 1960s (which will eventually turn it into an unattractive, inefficient urban sprawl), or we take the steps needed to create pleasant open spaces for everyone to enjoy, and a beautiful riverside like those found in Richmond, Kingston and Stratford Upon Avon.

At GVG, we believe our council has an opportunity to put into place the formal development plan that our town deserves. Without a new road crossing, the current four-lane carriageway that carries heavy traffic into the centre and separates the town and the river will have to stay, and we’ll lose our chance to create a beautiful, safe town centre free from cars, noise and damaging fumes.

Thank you for your support.

Bill Stokoe, Chairman

Our successes