Benoy’s multi-million-pound revitalisation project for Woking town centre has taken a major step forward after leading UK pharmacy and beauty retail operator Boots officially opened its new 27,500 square foot flagship store as part of the completion of the first phase of the Victoria Place development. The store was officially opened by Cllr Ayesha Azad, Leader of Woking Borough Council.
Benoy is delivering architecture, masterplanning and interior design for the approx 646 000 square foot project which includes more than 125,000 square feet of new retail space –with a 50,000 square feet Marks & Spencer – as well as 429 residential apartments, a new 22-storey four star Hilton hotel with conference facilities, a new restaurant unit on Commercial Way, two public plazas, a medical centre and 2,800 parking spaces.
The project is being managed by Victoria Square Woking Limited, a joint venture between Moyallen Holdings Limited, which owns Woking Shopping, and Woking Borough Council.
Robert Bentley, who is leading the project for Benoy, commented: ‘This is a significant moment for the scheme as we look to drive forward to completion in 2021. We are delighted to see Boots come on board whilst the planned M&S store will anchor the retail extension, reinforcing the high standards already set by new retail and restaurant brands in the town centre. The regeneration of Woking is all about improving local infrastructure and the public realm to create a vibrant town centre where people want to be. It’s about attracting third-party investment while ensuring that Woking, far from being just a gateway to other areas, becomes a destination in its own right.’
Peter Robinson, Managing Director of Moyallen Holdings Limited, said: “The new Boots store is a fantastic addition to Woking Shopping’s stellar retail line-up of big brands and independent stores and I’m delighted that its official opening heralds the completion of the first phase of a development that will dramatically transform the town centre. Built for a new, positive and forward-looking generation, Victoria Place seamlessly integrates a range of uses to support a thriving community and will contribute to the town’s growth and economy for decades to come.”
Cllr Kevin Davis, Woking Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Promoting the Local Economy, welcomed the announcement. “Now entering the final stages of completion, Victoria Place will play a pivotal role in Woking’s transformation as an attractive and vibrant destination which propels investment, underpins job creation and powers economic growth. The addition of a new and outstanding flagship Boots store is welcome, positive news and demonstrates continued confidence in the town centre and Woking at large.”
Victoria Place is one of the largest urban transformation projects ever undertaken in Surrey and has been specifically designed to deliver a significant economic boost for the fast-growing destination which is strategically located only 25 minutes from central London by train and just 16 miles from Heathrow.
