Plans to turn former Debenhams into 185 homes approved

A former Debenhams department store in Guildford is set to be replaced by 300,000 sq ft housing-led development, after being given the nod by local councillors.

The scheme, named St Mary’s Wharf, will see 185 private and affordable homes, 21,000 sq ft of retail and restaurant space, and almost an acre of newly created public realm on the 1.7 acre riverside site.

Developer Native Land plans to put up two new buildings, designed by architect Squire & Partners, as well as a new civic square, park and a riverside walk, which will give access from the high street to the River Wey for the first time in more than half a century.

Native Land has also committed £1m to riverside infrastructure – which could include a new footbridge bridge for Guildford – and claims the development will be net zero in operation.

The consulting team behind the plans included Arcadis as project manager, DP9 as planning consultant, Robert Bird Group as structural and civil engineers, Cast as cost consultants and Sweco as service engineers and sustainability consultants.

Robert Harris, managing director of acquisitions at Native Land said: “St Mary’s Wharf exemplifies our strategy to create high-quality, sustainable developments which reimagine high street locations in the face of continued challenges from online retail.

“We see great potential for Guildford, with its well-respected university and excellent transport connections.”