Guildford developer will 'heal ugly wound'

Councillors who chose Lend Lease's scheme said they were impressed by its enthusiasm

Developers who promised to heal an "ugly wound" at the heart of a Surrey town centre have been chosen as the preferred bidders to rebuild the area.

Lend Lease was selected from three possible developers for North Street by a Guildford Borough Council panel.

The council says the site near Friary shopping centre "dominates and reflects badly" on the town.

Lend Lease said healing the wound would be the key its design for a new shopping, leisure and housing area.

It said there was potential for new public spaces, better connections between the town centre and the railway station and River Wey.

The scheme submitted to the council includes pedestrianised areas, shops, restaurants and homes, with locations for major stores, possibly including John Lewis.

There would also be a 500-space car park and a new bus station.

Land Securities and Queensberry also submitted bids to redevelop the site.

"All three demonstrate an innovative approach to the future of this key town centre site," said Councillor James Palmer.

"We are particularly impressed by the enthusiasm and understanding for this project shown by Lend Lease."

The evaluation panel's recommendation will be considered by the council's executive on 18 April.