Woking Borough Council has launched a public consultation regarding the future of the Sheerwater Regeneration Project. 

Due to its severe financial challenges, the council has decided to end its development agreement with Thameswey, which is mid-way through the delivery of a 1,200 home, multi-phase regeneration scheme in Sheerwater. 

Thameswey will continue to work on the three phases currently under construction but will not commence any new phases. 

Cllr Liam Lyons, Woking Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regulation, said: “The Council is committed to improving amenities which enable local communities to thrive. The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a levy that Councils apply to new developments. It plays a critical role in maximising the funds available to Councils and communities to improve local amenities, from park improvements to safer highway schemes.

With the delayed Victoria Way highway improvements nearing completion, a programme of carriageway resurfacing works will begin on Friday 11 August 2023, benefiting highway users and pedestrians.

To facilitate these works, which includes reinstating the junction between Church Street West and Victoria Way. a series of overnight highway closures are necessary.

The overnight closures outlined below will start from 7pm and finish by 6am unless otherwise stated.

Local residents and community partners have until Thursday 10 August 2023 to have their say on the future of Woking Borough Council discretionary services.

So far the council has received over 6,500 responses and is keen to hear from more local residents and stakeholders before it’s too late.

Services, such as arts and culture, sports and leisure, and independent living, are currently provided and funded at the discretion of Woking Borough Council. Many councils do not always fund or provide these services.

Exterior panel replacement works to Victoria Place Woking’s long-awaited four-star hotel and conference centre are expected to be completed by summer 2024.

Cllr Ann-Marie Barker, Leader of Woking Borough Council, said: “Despite my frustration with the unacceptably long delay in resolving this matter, I welcome Sir Robert McAlpine’s commitment to complete these works by next summer.

The Thames Basin Heaths Partnership are inviting local people and families to a fantastic, fun-packed week of free activities to promote public awareness and enjoyment of our fabulous heathland landscapes, their rare wildlife and their cultural history.

Rethink Waste is a free scheme available to anyone living in Surrey that offers a range of rewards for reducing waste.

Residents sign up online to receive a personalised dashboard where they will be able to access relevant activities and resources and monitor their progress. Once signed up, members will receive weekly emails, which will include an array of locally relevant, engaging and gamified activities such as pledges, videos and quizzes, designed to nudge residents towards small, yet impactful lifestyle changes.

A framework that will guide future development, including building heights, in Woking town centre will form a major part of the borough’s next statutory strategic planning document, following a decision by elected members at last night’s Executive meeting (Thursday 13 July 2023).

The decision means that Woking Town Centre’s Masterplan policies will be integrated into the borough’s new Local Plan, when the current plan period ends in 2027.

In response to the commencement of Grant Thornton's Value for Money review into the council's governance arrangements, Woking Borough Council’s Chief Executive, Julie Fisher, said: “It is important that we understand the decisions and actions of the past that have significantly contributed to the financial challenges we face today.

"Our incoming auditor, Grant Thornton UK LLP, has agreed to conduct a Value for Money review into governance arrangements that relate to our historic investment strategy, which relates to their responsibilities for the 2023/24 audit year.

Local residents, businesses and community partners are invited to have their say on the future of Woking Borough Council’s discretionary services. These are services that the Council is not obliged to offer but currently provides.

Services, such as arts and culture, sports and leisure, and independent living, are currently provided and funded at the discretion of Woking Borough Council. Many councils do not always fund or provide these services.

This summer, music-lovers will once again be treated to a melody of free open-air concerts at Woking Park’s Bandstand that you won’t want to miss.

Featuring a wide selection of music from brass bands to ukuleles, the Summer Sounds programme will showcase songs from through the decades for all to enjoy.

Musical performances will take place on selected Saturdays throughout July and August at 2pm, lasting approximately two hours at Woking Bandstand. So, why not escape the hustle and bustle of the town, bring a picnic and soak up some fantastic music all for free?

Local families and children can look forward to improved play facilities at two local play areas, with works to upgrade existing equipment beginning in early July.

The upgrades to play areas at Oakfield and Horsell Moor will deliver a range of new equipment including multi-play units, swings and seesaws that offer a variety of activities for children of different ages and abilities.