According to the latest reports, new plans regarding the redevelopment of Guildford’s Casino nightclub has been proposed and submitted to the Guildford Borough Council. As per the new redevelopment plan, the casino nightclub will be turned into accommodation housing students of the Academy of Contemporary Music.
The proposal suggests the development of 260 bedrooms for students, along with the formation of leisure space as well as retail units. The leisure space could also include a bar and restaurant on the rooftop that overlooks the Guildford Cathedral and River Wey, as per the reports.
Interestingly, a series of public consultations would be held at 1 The Quadrant to allow public members to share their views on the plan designs. The time slot for the consultations is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays till the week starting January 13, 2020.
Michel Harper, the owner, confirmed the proposed plan for student accommodation and said that they intend to retain the leisure element. Divulging further information, Harper revealed that there are requirements for students’ accommodation as “Guildford is short of 5,000 units.” It is important to note that Harper has been making the site redevelopment efforts over the last 15 years.
He also added that all the units they would build at the site would be taken up by the ACM (Academy of Contemporary Music) as they need 600 units. Also, the fact that the ACM is just across the site makes the plan convenient and ideal for them.
The plan proposes the building to be 10-storeyed. Moreover, the ground floor of the building would be kept for commercial means. Apart from that, the widening of the pavements to 3 meters has also been proposed to increase the safety quotient while crossing the street.
Harper also disclosed how councilors are keen to add a touch of leisure and retail to the student accommodation to make the Guildford town centre a sight to visit. The new plan is available to view on the website of the Council.
