Halcyon Development Partners (Halcyon) – in partnership with JRL Group – secure planning approval for Woking’s first co-living development at 3-12 High Street. Supported by planning and engagement consultancy Turley, approval by Woking Borough Council follows an extensive community engagement programme during the pre-application period.
Designed by Assael Architecture, the new scheme will deliver 329 new sustainable co-living units and publicly accessible amenities and spaces. Designed for volumetric construction, Halcyon and the JRL Group expect to start on site in early 2024, with completion of the development expected in 2026.
Residents will also benefit from the wide range of recreational spaces and facilities – as well as transport links within a five-to-ten-minute walk from the development.
“We have a long running interest in Woking and are thrilled to secure the approval of proposals for this important town centre site alongside Halcyon. Working with award winning Assael Architecture we have developed high quality co-living proposals which will provide much needed housing for Woking whilst responding sensitively to the surrounding conservation area. We look forward to realising the next stages of the project to bring forward the much-needed revitalisation of this key part of Woking’s high street, promoting strong prosperity for the town.”
Paul Cummins, Development Director, JRL Group
The co-living scheme will also deliver a modern, accessible and functional new home for The Lighthouse – Woking’s much-loved charity. Co-designed with The Lighthouse community, the JRL Group is supporting the charity by securing and fitting out temporary premises for the construction period, so that they can continue to deliver their vital community services to Woking’s residents whilst their new home is constructed.
Substantial improvements to public realm and the restoration/retention of High Street frontages will also be delivered as part of the scheme, respecting the character of the Town Centre Conservation Area.
The co-living scheme is important for Woking, supporting young people to stay in the area and contributing to the town’s growth and prosperity. It will also deliver much-needed investment into the town centre through delivering ample and diverse housing supply, to kick-start further regenerative effects through new demand for social and leisure activities, supporting new economic and cultural activity.
“The approval of our proposals is a significant milestone towards the delivery of this fantastic scheme with our partners JRL Group. The development will add to our delivery portfolio of market leading and award winning co-living buildings.
“The design of the scheme has progressed collaboratively with the expertise of JRL alongside our own experience of co-living design. We have really enjoyed working with The Lighthouse, a much cherished and purpose-led local charity, and look forward to realising the ambition to deliver a new long-term home on the site for the group.”
Harry Manley, Head of Planning, Halcyon
This new project adds to Halcyon’s growing development pipeline and follows the delivery of over 800 new co-living units on three key sites in London, in partnership with DTZi Investors.
