Project Background
Waverley Borough Council purchased 69 High Street, Godalming in Summer 2022 to develop much needed housing and bring regeneration to the town centre.
The project aims to deliver affordable housing and economic regeneration preserving the integrity of the high street whilst addressing the affordable housing supply challenge through a mixed-use development of the site.
Overview of the site
The site is situated on Godalming High Street and within the Godalming Town Centre Conservation Area.
The existing building is a two-storey brick construction with a large open plan retail unit at the ground floor and storage and office space at the first floor - it is no longer suitable for occupation by a retailer in its current form.
Design Proposal
Working with Waverley Borough Council to meet their brief, the design team have developed design proposals that incorporate several key elements such as optimised form factor, adherence to site topography, designated plant areas on the roof, and a new hipped roof form in harmony with the historical context. The front brickwork elevation will be retained, repaired and sensitively enhanced. The new rear elevation will share its boundary with the future residential development. This party wall will be brickwork, designed to compliment the surrounding context. Material selection aligns with the High Street's heritage, incorporating Flemish bind brickwork.
In addition to the enhanced and new high performance building fabric which reduces energy demand, proposals also include roof mounted plant, photovoltaic panels, and the potential for green/biodiverse roofs as part of the sustainable urban drainage (SUDs) strategy. Access to the roof is provided from first floor.
The development of the commercial proposals have included consideration of how the future residential development will be serviced.
Internal Layout
Proposals include potential internal layouts for the prospective tenant, that have been developed to allow for ground floor bar and dining, with first floor dining and kitchen provision. Associated ancillary accommodation is provided on both storeys, including new bin stores access via an access and escape corridor. The two storey development will have two stairs, with opportunity for lift provision.
Summary
The existing and proposed commercial development at 69 High Street aligns with Waverley Borough Council's vision for the site, combining functionality, sustainability, and historical preservation to contribute to the vibrant regeneration of Godalming's High Street.
Following recent pre-application advice with Waverley Borough Council's Local Planning Authority (LPA), the planning application for the commercial unit will be submitted to the LPA shortly. The future residential development will be submitted under separate application (aim for later in 2024) with future consultation prior to this.
Project Impact
The design team have explored multiple design options, working with Waverley Borough Council to consider putting forward appropriate, sustainable and economically viable development for the site. The project aims to be a catalyst for the High Street regeneration, providing a potential anchor unit. Considering the project goals holistically represents proposals that will benefit the local community bringing an asset back in to use, whilst be sensitive to the historic context.
The project delivers against the Council’s strategic priorities of:
- Good quality housing for all income levels and age groups – by bringing forward housing on an empty retail site.
- Acting on the climate emergency and protecting the environment – by repurposing existing building where possible whilst providing new energy efficient homes and commercial space.
- Supporting a strong, resilient local economy – by developing a new town centre use for the previous large retail unit, encouraging local high street spend and footfall.
- Local, open, participative government – by engaging with the local community in the process.
What has happened so far?
| Summer 2022 |
Acquisition of the property.
Consultations with possible tenants and Project Initiation.
Review of the existing scheme and agree strategy for the site.
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| 2023 |
Design development to utilise the site in the best way possible, maximising use for interested tenant and bring forward housing.
Options assessment and viability testing.
Agreed preferred option for the development by the Council at full council meeting in August 2023.
Site surveys and Design development to progress to planning application.
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| 2024 |
Further design testing – especially in relation to building structure and how much building can be kept.
Pre-planning application advice.
Community drop-in sessions in April.
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| Next Steps |
Community engagement.
Early Spring: Submission of full planning application for commercial unit.
Procurement and appointment of main contractor in line / after planning permission.
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