Woking shopping parade to get £4.6 million revamp

A RUN-down shopping parade of Woking town centre is set to get a £4.6 million facelift.

Commercial Way has suffered with the closure of large outlets such as Argos, which stopped trading in the pedestrianised street in January.

But it is hoped the area can be revitalised after Woking Borough Council gave the go-ahead to the multi-million pound modernisation plan of Commercial Way and the frontage of Wolsey Place shopping centre.

The decision was given at the council's executive meeting on May 31 and means work can now begin on drafting a detailed design.

Ideas to improve Commercial Way include:

• New paving, tree planting, street furniture, signage and lighting in the pedestrianised street.

• A new square at the eastern end adjacent to Mercia Walk and Church Path.

• Enhancements to the facade of Wolsey Place Shopping Centre.

• Space for specialist markets and events.

Councillor Gary Elson, Woking Borough Council's portfolio holder for economic development, said: "Following this important decision, we can now look forward to significantly improving the look and feel of Commercial Way. Thanks to extensive cross-party support and from members of the public, key stakeholders and local businesses, we will radically enhance this area of town, while complementing the existing redevelopment works already taking place in Woking Town Square.

"By continuing with these much needed improvements to Woking Town Centre, we look forward to making Woking a vibrant, exciting place to shop, attracting new retailers and instilling pride and enthusiasm in our town."

The council asked people for their views on the improvements at a public exhibition held in Wolsey Place from March 2 to 18, 2012, and a task group was set up to drive the plans forward.

The authority said results of the survey showed the public and stakeholders were supportive of the scheme.

It is anticipated that works to Commercial Way will commence in early 2013.

The revamp is the latest redevelopment to be given the go-ahead in Woking town centre.

Work started last summer on extending Wolsey Place Shopping Centre and a redevelopment of Town Square to include new paving, tapered steps, public seating and new trees is taking place.