Woking’s Skyline Set to Transform with New 24-Storey Twin Tower Plans
Twin Towers Coming to Woking's Heart
Woking's distinctive skyline is about to reach new heights. Developers Newco Ltd and architects ECE Westworks have unveiled ambitious plans for a striking ‘double tower' apartment complex that would reshape the eastern edge of our town centre near Jubilee Square.
The proposal features two interconnected towers—one rising 16 storeys and its partner stretching an impressive 24 storeys high—housing 585 homes altogether. This represents a significant evolution from the previous 11-storey planning approval granted in January 2024 for the same Chobham Road site.
The development would demolish existing Victorian terraces and office buildings currently occupying the location, replacing them with contemporary residential and commercial spaces. Ground-floor units would front onto Chobham Road, Christchurch Way, and Church Street East, breathing new life into these familiar shopping streets that connect our community.
At just over 110 metres high, these towers would rank among Woking's tallest structures, joining the town's growing reputation as Surrey's answer to vertical living. For those of us who've watched Woking's transformation from traditional town to modern hub, this development marks another chapter in that ongoing evolution.
Who's Moving In—And What This Means for Our Community
The developers are targeting young professionals and newly forming households through a co-living model gaining popularity in towns across the South East. Of the 585 proposed apartments, 124 would be studios while 460 would be one-bedroom co-living units—shared accommodation with communal kitchens, gyms, and lounge areas.
This housing model addresses a genuine local gap. Many young people working in Woking, Guildford, and surrounding areas like Dorking and Horsley struggle to find affordable, flexible housing options. Co-living provides exactly that—lower costs through shared amenities and the community aspect appeals to professionals seeking social connection alongside independence.
However, there's an important caveat residents should know: the scheme includes no traditional affordable housing, despite Woking Borough Council's policy requiring 35 per cent affordability in new developments. Developers argue their co-living model itself provides affordability, but this remains a point of contention.
The project will generate construction jobs and, once complete, inject spending into local businesses. New residents typically support nearby shops, cafes, and services—a benefit for established Woking businesses. Yet community members rightly question whether this development prioritises flexibility over genuine affordability for our most vulnerable neighbours.
Your Voice Matters—How to Engage with This Decision
The clock is ticking for residents to make their voices heard. Woking Borough Council's planning portal is hosting public consultation on these proposals until September 8. If you have concerns, support, or simply want to understand the project better, this is your opportunity.
Consultation isn't merely procedural—planning officers genuinely consider local feedback when making recommendations. Whether you're concerned about traffic impacts on Church Street East, curious about how this development integrates with existing streetscapes, or interested in housing provision, your submission counts.
Worth noting: this development sits within Woking town centre's regeneration zone. Unlike out-of-town expansion, it recycles existing commercial property and acknowledges our town's future involves vertical growth rather than sprawl. That said, questions about community facilities, local services capacity, and how newcomers integrate into established neighbourhoods deserve consideration.
Heads up for the weeks ahead: after the September 8 consultation deadline, Woking Borough Council will review submissions and make a determination. We'll likely see their decision by autumn. This isn't just about apartments—it's about who Woking becomes and whether our town centre remains accessible to diverse residents. So engage thoughtfully, ask questions, and help shape our collective future.
Source: New skyscraper plans for Woking as ‘double tower' apartment block planned
As Woking's skyline undergoes transformation with the new twin towers, local businesses, including Woking bathroom fitters, are poised to benefit from the increased demand for modern interiors.
As Woking's skyline evolves with the new twin towers, residents might also consider fresh Woking bathroom renovation ideas to enhance their home's aesthetic appeal.
As Woking's skyline evolves with the new twin tower development, residents will also benefit from enhanced services like local bathroom fitters Woking to upgrade their homes.
