Queensberry Real Estate has today announced that Guildford Borough Council has granted planning permission for the 60,000 sq ft refurbishment of Tunsgate Square Shopping Centre.
Queensberry is acting as the Development Manager for the Merseyside Pension Fund on the £10 million scheme, which will see Tunsgate Square transformed into a high-quality retail and restaurant quarter, complementing the surrounding retail offer.
The aim of the scheme is to attract premium boutique retail and restaurant brands and to create new and replacement units which will appeal to a variety of occupiers.
The plans include installing a new roof, extending the centre’s critical mass with the creation of two levels to the rear of the scheme and improvements to the elevation of the building on Tunsgate. The entrance will also be remodelled to improve access, and a high level café/restaurant will overlook the High Street.
Commenting on the council’s decision Queensberry Real Estate Director Jon Munce said: “Queensberry is delighted that Guildford Borough Council has resolved to grant planning permission and we look forward to progressing with the development proposals.
“We have a great opportunity to deliver a shopping centre refurbishment which re-establishes Tunsgate Square’s distinctive position within Guildford.”
Although the council’s planning committee is yet to debate the merits of the scheme, planning officers have already recommended that the refurbishment and additional development works should be approved.
Prior to giving the scheme the green light, case officer at Guildford Borough Council Gill Hanson said; “The proposal would be of economic benefit by providing new floor space and increasing diversity within the centre, which would offer employment opportunities and contribute to the vitality of the town centre.
“Having assessed the impact of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area, it is concluded that the development would function well, adds to the overall quality of the area, establish a strong sense of place and would be visually attractive as a result of good architecture.”
Now that they have the go-ahead, Queensberry hopes to start work on the scheme this summer with completion expected within 12 months.
The architect is Lyons+Sleeman+Hoare. The planning consultant is CBRE and the leasing agent is Cushman & Wakefield.
With Kirsten Kennedy
