News

Turley secures approval for Donard Real Estate’s new mixed-use Build-to-Rent development in Woking town centre

On behalf of Donard Real Estate, we provided expert Planning, Strategic Communications, Economics, EIA and Heritage and Townscape services on the new Build-to-Rent scheme in the heart of Woking at 81 Commercial Way, approved by Woking Borough Council’s planning committee.

The scheme will deliver 272 new homes, including 28 affordable apartments, generous internal and external residential amenities and flexible ground floor commercial space. Wider landscape and public realm including a new public square which has been designed in collaboration with neighbours.  

Crown Gardens will rejuvenate an underused brownfield site, contributing to the regeneration of the east side of the town centre and making an important contribution to meeting housing needs. The new Build-to-Rent homes have been designed with Woking’s needs in mind and will directly meet the pressing demand in an area where the number of renters exceeds the average for the Southeast, and where many young people are priced out of buying. 

The development will also create a range of other economic benefits for Woking town centre – creating employment and skills opportunities both during construction and once operational. 

Reflecting the sustainable town centre location of Crown Gardens, less than five minutes’ walk from Woking Railway Station, Donard Real Estate will deliver a car free scheme, with only disabled parking and a car club available to future residents, and ample cycle parking provided for all residents – in line with policy and best practice town centre residential development.

Director, Mervyn McFarland said:

“Our team is delighted to have supported Donard Real Estate in securing approval for Crown Gardens, which will provide high-quality rental homes and significant economic benefits for Woking. We are pleased to continue our long-standing involvement in the regeneration of Woking town-centre and to have worked with Donard Real Estate to achieve this milestone for the development. Advising across several of our areas of expertise has been a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the sustainable, community-focused approach to the regeneration of the town centre and we look forward to continuing our involvement in the progress of this vibrant development in the heart of the town.”

Steven Flannery CEO at Donard said:

“The approval of Crown Gardens represents a pivotal moment towards the regeneration of and further investment in Woking. Over the past couple of years, we have dedicated ourselves to crafting a high-quality scheme in collaboration with the local community that promises long term benefits for Woking. We are delighted that the Woking planning committee has recognised our efforts and with this milestone achieved, we will be eager to commence work on site at the earliest opportunity.”

Since acquiring the site, engagement has been fundamental to Donard’s design process. Positive engagement has been undertaken with the local community, the site’s immediate neighbours and developers of emerging schemes in the town centre, which will ensure Crown Gardens integrates seamlessly with the wider regeneration plans for the area. 

Donard Real Estate expect to commence demolition works and achieve Build Safety Act Gateway Approval in Q1 2025, with the development estimated to complete in 2028.

20 January 2025