Woking and Guildford chosen as West Surrey Council headquarters ahead of 2027 merger

Woking and Guildford will share headquarters duties for the new West Surrey Council when it takes over local government services next April.

The arrangements were approved by the West Surrey Shadow Authority's executive on Monday, October 12 following a review of potential locations across the area.

Woking's Civic Centre and the nearby Victoria Gate building will jointly serve as the council's operational headquarters, providing the main base for staff and the running of services.

Millmead in Guildford will become the civic headquarters, hosting full council meetings.

The arrangements will take effect on April 1, 2027, when the new authority replaces Surrey County Council and the existing borough and district councils.

However, the decision is an interim measure, with councillors planning a further review to determine the permanent headquarters.

Speaking when the proposals were announced last week, Cllr Paul Follows, leader of West Surrey Council, said: "These arrangements provide a stable and practical foundation for the new council, while giving us the flexibility to listen, learn and shape our longer-term plans around the needs of our communities and workforce."

The decision also raises questions about the future of other council buildings across western Surrey, including Waverley Borough Council's headquarters at The Burys in Godalming.

Waverley has previously explored redeveloping The Burys, warning that the ageing building is expensive to heat and maintain, with around £3 million in repairs and maintenance required over the next decade.

The new authority will also inherit council offices in Elmbridge, Runnymede, Spelthorne and Surrey Heath, including Surrey Heath House in Camberley and the Civic Centre in Addlestone.

However, no decisions have been announced about which buildings might eventually be retained, redeveloped or sold.

A wider review will consider the council's entire property portfolio, staff working arrangements and the future location of major departments.

The authority will also examine how residents can continue accessing services locally through its developing localism policy.

In his earlier statement, Cllr Follows said: "As West Surrey Council takes shape, residents will continue to access services through existing local offices, as well as online and by telephone, ensuring support remains local, accessible and focused on the people we serve."

The headquarters were selected following an assessment of factors including transport links, accessibility, office capacity, value for money and parking.