Lib Dems expose delays in Woking’s landmark development

Lib Dems expose delays in Woking's landmark development

Following scrutiny by Lib Dem Councillors, Woking Borough Council has confirmed that the Victoria Square development is behind schedule and the new Marks and Spencer store will now not open until 2021.

The Borough Council has previously stated that Marks and Spencer, the anchor store of the £540 million landmark Victoria Square development, was meant to be fitted out in Spring 2020 and opened in Autumn 2020. Following questioning at the recent Overview and Scrutiny Committee, the Council's Chief Executive confirmed that he expects Marks and Spencer to be opened nearer to March and April 2021. Ray Morgan said that the delay is due to the unexpected rebuilding of the Red Car Park.

Lib Dem Councillor and Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Deborah Hughes, said:

"Local people will be really annoyed that Victoria Square is behind schedule due to mismanagement of this key scheme by the Conservative-run Council. I know many residents will be disappointed that they will not be able to do next year's Christmas shopping at Woking's new Marks and Spencer store."

"Motorists will rightly feel frustrated they have to cope with the construction of Victoria Square affecting Woking's congested road network for even longer. Moreover, with not being able to use the Red Car Park for two Christmas seasons, it will be both difficult to get into the town centre and find a parking space."