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We are currently focusing on the redevelopment of 69 High Street in the heart of Godalming Town Centre.
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Frequently asked questions - about 69 High Street

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Find out about the project, it's aims, what has happened so far and next steps

69 High Street Artist Impression

Survey - 69 High Street, Godalming Redevelopment

Project BackgroundWaverley Borough Council purchased 69 High Street, Godalming in Summer 2022 to develop much needed housing and bring regeneration to the town centre.&nbsp;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. &nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1712587552/projects/65df15aac606bb4e0f11ef1c/gsqj92t4w7kxfl55e5jy.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib" data-uw-rm-alt-original="" alt="Pictures of the current 69 high street site from the high street" style="width: 700px;"> Overview of the siteThe site is situated &nbsp;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.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1712671793/projects/65df15aac606bb4e0f11ef1c/b6ecgb4dminzdptbblxw.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Arieal site plan of 69 high street development" style="width: 700px;" data-uw-rm-alt-original="Arieal site plan of 69 high street development">

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1712671809/projects/65df15aac606bb4e0f11ef1c/fqgiudbaguruxorsqct2.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Artist impression of 69 high street commercial unit" style="width: 700px;">Design ProposalWorking 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&#39;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 LayoutProposals show 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.<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1712671828/projects/65df15aac606bb4e0f11ef1c/h6kv19rvl1cnf3uri8ra.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Internal floor plans on the ground and first floor of the commercial unit" style="width: 700px;">SummaryThe existing and proposed commercial development at 69 High Street aligns with Waverley Borough Council&#39;s vision for the site, combining functionality, sustainability, and historical preservation to contribute to the vibrant regeneration of Godalming&#39;s High Street.Following recent pre-application advice with Waverley Borough Council&#39;s Local Planning Authority (LPA), the planning application for the commercial unit will be submitted to the LPA in the coming weeks. The future residential development will be submitted under separate application (aim for later in 2024) with future consultation prior to this.

About the design proposal...A STAND-ALONE COMMERCIAL<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1709560144/projects/65df15aac606bb4e0f11ef1c/jbomq8tpxia1ffvpcynr.png" class="fr-fic fr-fir fr-dii" style="width: 73px;" alt="Floor plan" data-uw-rm-alt-original="Floor plan">&nbsp;BUILDING WITH FUTURE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTA clear delimitation between commercial use to the front and the rest of the site for future residential development. WORK WITH HISTORICAL SITE CONTEXT<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1709559749/projects/65df15aac606bb4e0f11ef1c/mozddw3srlrujcgbjgju.png" class="fr-fic fr-fir fr-dii" style="width: 83px;" alt="Historic building" data-uw-rm-alt-original="Historic building">A design that carefully considers the heritage character of the local area and its setting within. RE-USE OF AN EXISTING ASSET<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1709559783/projects/65df15aac606bb4e0f11ef1c/ylxdpwfn0d0osstchqlk.png" class="fr-fic fr-fir fr-dii" style="width: 86px;" alt="House with arrows shaped in a circle inside" data-uw-rm-alt-original="House with arrows shaped in a circle inside">&nbsp;AND ENHANCED FRONTAGE TO HIGH STREETStrategically design trading areas with direct access and visual connection to the High Street in order to establish presence and improve footfall. MEASURES TO LOCK IN EFFICIENT<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1709559841/projects/65df15aac606bb4e0f11ef1c/b8onu7ry0ofek5tm6ess.png" class="fr-fic fr-fir fr-dii" style="width: 90px;" alt="Energy efficient home" data-uw-rm-alt-original="Energy efficient home">&nbsp;PERFORMANCEImplementation of sustainable strategies at early design stages to enable full potential for efficient energy performance, balanced with overheating mitigation through detailed design and construction. FUTURE PROOF DEVELOPMENT ALLOWING FOR PHASING<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1709559888/projects/65df15aac606bb4e0f11ef1c/iiuxo82qm5a03pyu9iw7.png" class="fr-fic fr-fir fr-dii" style="width: 97px;" alt="Puzzle pieces" data-uw-rm-alt-original="Puzzle pieces">Separation of uses allows for a strategic approach that enables project phasing. COHESION BETWEEN USES AND<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1709559934/projects/65df15aac606bb4e0f11ef1c/qagbvmzt0t6zulfoxgwc.png" class="fr-fic fr-fir fr-dii" style="width: 94px;" alt="Four hands connected in a circle" data-uw-rm-alt-original="Four hands connected in a circle">&nbsp;COMMUNITYA proposal which responds to local demand and improved footfall to the High Street.

Project ImpactThe 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.<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1712590397/projects/65df15aac606bb4e0f11ef1c/ce18xmx8tbss289zv4wk.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" data-uw-rm-alt-original="" style="width: 700px;" alt="The design team have explored multiple design options, working with Waverley Borough Council to consider put 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." data-uw-rm-alt="CT">

What has happened so far?Summer 2022Acquisition of the property.Consultations with possible tenants and Project Initiation.Review of the existing scheme and agree strategy for the site. 2023Design 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. 2024Further design testing &ndash; especially in relation to building structure and how much building can be kept.Community engagement took place in April 2024 on commonplace and through drop-in sessions at the council offices.A planning application for the commercial unit was submitted in May 2024. Visit our website to see the application, <a aria-label="click here - open in a new tab" class="fr-green fr-strong" data-uw-original-href="https://planning360.waverley.gov.uk:4443/planning/search-applications?civica.query.FullTextSearch=69%20High%20Street#VIEW?RefType=GFPlanning&KeyNo=542975&KeyText=Subject" data-uw-rm-brl="BE" data-uw-rm-ext-link="na" href="https://planning360.waverley.gov.uk:4443/planning/search-applications?civica.query.FullTextSearch=69%20High%20Street#VIEW?RefType=GFPlanning&KeyNo=542975&KeyText=Subject" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://planning360.waverley.gov.uk:4443/planning/search-applications?civica.query.fulltextsearch=69%20high%20street#view?reftype=gfplanning&keyno=542975&keytext=subject$clickhere">click here</a>. Next steps...Procurement and appointment of main contractor in line / after planning permission.<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1709556342/projects/65df15aac606bb4e0f11ef1c/weagl1u8eeyvprsye8df.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 700px;" alt="Godalming high street" data-uw-rm-alt-original="Godalming high street" data-uw-rm-alt="ALT">

The project delivers against the Council&rsquo;s strategic priorities of:<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1709557268/projects/65df15aac606bb4e0f11ef1c/wz2gsv3gn6dxb6rast2c.png" class="fr-fic fr-fil fr-dii" style="width: 90px;" alt="Houses" data-uw-rm-alt-original="Houses"> Good quality housing for all income levels and age groups &ndash; by bringing forward housing on an empty retail site. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1709557348/projects/65df15aac606bb4e0f11ef1c/k9wg0quxui2uue7ulxsu.png" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-fil" style="width: 80px;" alt="Globe in between two hands" data-uw-rm-alt-original="Globe in between two hands">Acting on the climate emergency and protecting the environment &ndash; by repurposing existing building where possible whilst providing new energy efficient homes and commercial space. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1709557375/projects/65df15aac606bb4e0f11ef1c/dnv6amm5jfkql2zpsqy6.png" class="fr-fic fr-fil fr-dii" style="width: 95px;" alt="Money" data-uw-rm-alt-original="Money">Supporting a strong, resilient local economy &ndash; by developing a new town centre use for the previous large retail unit, encouraging local high street spend and footfall. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1709557404/projects/65df15aac606bb4e0f11ef1c/lcbz5lg8rhjnbqz2hhhu.png" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-fil" style="width: 89px;" alt="Speech" data-uw-rm-alt-original="Speech">Local, open, participative government &ndash; by engaging with the local community in the process.