New green, pedestrian-friendly quarter receives approval for Woking town centre

Published on 18 January 2022

Working alongside our client EcoWorld London, JTP is delighted to announce that Goldsworth Road, Woking has received detailed planning approval which will see the transformation of the town centre with a comprehensive residential-led, mixed-use quarter.

The project will deliver 929 dwellings across four distinct buildings ranging in height from 12 to 37 storeys contributing to the housing need of the borough and alleviating pressures of providing new homes within the surrounding hinterland and green belt. This approach promotes sustainable lifestyles by intensifying activity and movement to bring renewed life to Woking’s town centre.

An active ground floor will complement and broaden Woking’s current offer with over 2,000 sqm of carefully curated mixed-use commercial space proposed. This will be further supported by an array of residential amenities including a spa, gym and a residential lounge.

JTP’s masterplan approach has been focussed around the pedestrianisation of Goldsworth Road which has been repurposed as a new public space designed as a multi-functional piece of green infrastructure. Significant greening of the street features 45 new trees, 550 sqm of planting, and approximately 320 sqm of vertical greening to bring enhanced advantages, including biodiversity, air quality, urban cooling and wellbeing.

A series of community projects already situated on the site will benefit from updated facilities including a bespoke facility for York Road Project – a local charity which supports people facing homelessness in the borough. The new homeless accommodation proposed on the site will aid York Road Project to further expand and deliver their important services in the community. A new home for the Woking Railway Athletic Club will also replace the current single storey building and ensure a lasting legacy for the club, which is nearing its centenary.

New pedestrian and cycle routes will be introduced alongside secure cycle parking for 1,000 spaces and a repair station to promote sustainable modes of transport for residents and the wider community.

Designs were informed and evolved through several consultation meetings, presentations and exhibitions with the council, Design South East, local people from the community and other stakeholders.

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JTP is very pleased the plans to deliver a new green public space and much needed homes for Woking have been approved. With town centres experiencing challenging times over the past few years, the vision at Goldsworth Road will deliver lasting benefits for the local people and area, contributing to the future success and growth of the town centre. We look forward to continuing our work with EcoWorld London, Woking Borough Council, local stakeholders and the community to bring forward our masterplan-led proposals.

Nigel Bidwell, Partner at JTP

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We at EcoWorld London are totally committed to creating positive change for Woking and are very pleased to be granted planning permission to progress with our exciting plans for the town centre. Working in partnerships is a fundamental part of our DNA and we look forward to working closely with the Council, community and JTP as we deliver much-needed new homes, biodiverse green spaces and retail all set within extensive pedestrian-friendly public space for everyone to enjoy.

Conor McGahon, Managing Director, EcoWorld London

Related Projects

Goldsworth Road, Woking, UK

New Urban Quarter
Stage: Full Detail Planning Application