A mixed-use development on brownfield land in the centre of Guildford has started construction, following an agreement with developer Native Land and property group Grosvenor.
St Mary’s Wharf will deliver 185 1-3 bedroom homes with a new riverside walkway, while there will be 21,000 sq ft of restaurant and business spaces.
The site was formerly a Debenhams department store, while it is a four minute walk from Guildford train station.
Alasdair Nicholls, chief executive, Native Land, said: “Both Grosvenor and Native Land share the same best-in-class aspirations for urban design and environmental standards in our developments.
“St Mary’s Wharf is another example of Native Land’s track record of regenerating fundamentally strong UK towns and capital city centres. We are delighted to be investing in Guildford, creating jobs and the opportunity for skills development in the delivery of a significant number of high quality and sustainable homes.”
The development will provide direct access to the River Wey from the high street for the first time in more than 50 years.
The Squire & Partners-designed buildings include the sustainable retention and reuse of the existing basement and, in response to Native Land’s brief, will be fossil-fuel-free and net zero carbon in operation.
Rachel Dickie, executive director of investment, Grosvenor said: “We are pleased to build on our work to date with Native Land, supporting the evolution of Guildford town centre and the creation of much needed new housing.
“Since launching our debt strategy last year, we have been exploring opportunities for our funding to meet our wider social and environmental goals.
“Our track record of successful projects with Native Land has given us the confidence to include an environmental performance incentive in this facility.
“We look forward to working together as the scheme progresses to embed high levels of sustainability throughout the project.”
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