Guildford Independents Issue 4 2025-HR - Flipbook - Page 34
EXPERIENCE
GUILDFORD
Evolving Guildford:
NEW SPACES, SAME CHARM
any visitors to Guildford will be very aware of the
development of large parts of the town centre. From the
old Debenhams site (now St Mary’s Wharf), North Street
(Friary Quarter) to the newly opened Guildford Plaza and ongoing
station improvements, there is much activity to produce new
housing, retail and hospitality spaces, and accessible and green
public realm. While some might see the cranes and construction
fences as a deterrent, it’s important to look past the temporary
disruption and remember what Guildford offers - and why now is
a great time to visit.
M
At the time of writing this, I sit in a sun-soaked office but I am
thinking of colder, shorter days and looking forward to everything
Guildford has going on over the autumn and winter. Illuminate
Guildford returns with a new scheme to wow visitors from all
over the region. The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre will be entertaining
families with their annual pantomime – this year it is Beauty
and the Beast – and G Live has a brilliant line-up for the winter
season; Jo Whiley’s 90s Anthems anyone?
And, while builders work hard to deliver these big infrastructure
projects, our historic High Street, with its iconic setts and
independent shops, continues to provide a unique and enjoyable
North Street Regeneration St Edward. Designed for life.
shopping experience. The town’s most loved cafés, restaurants,
and pubs are thriving and offering everything from artisan coffee
to international cuisine.
Importantly, the development projects are aimed at making
Guildford even better in the long term - more accessible, modern,
and vibrant. In short, Guildford might be changing, but its heart
is still beating strong. If anything, now is an exciting time to visit
- to watch a town transform while enjoying everything that has
always made it special.
See you in a cosy pub on a winter’s eve soon!
AMANDA MASTERS,
CEO of Experience Guildford
34
