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Topping out of Tunsgate quarter in Guildford
2nd August 2017
The transformation of the impressive Tunsgate Quarter retail and restaurant development in the heart of Guildford passed another milestone on 29 June with a topping out event.
Cllr Paul Spooner and James Whiteman, Leader and Managing Director of Guildford Borough Council, respectively, joined Paul Sargent, Chief Executive and Co-founder of the developer, Queensberry, to mark the completion of the highest point of the roof.
Cllr Spooner helped ISG, the contractor, to install the final section of roofing over what will be The Ivy Collection. This world-renowned restaurant will offer al-fresco dining from a terrace giving fantastic views over the historic Guildford Castle and its gardens.
Paul Sargent said: “At Queensberry, we are committed to creating thoughtful retail and leisure destinations that have a real and lasting impact on the communities in which they sit. This is very much what we are doing here in Guildford; we are creating a unique setting that will appeal to Guildford’s local and wider catchment and are enjoying strong levels of occupier interest from a raft of high calibre brands as a result. As we move towards the launch, we will continue to work with all relevant stakeholders and liaise closely with Guildford Borough Council to ensure the positive effect of regeneration continues to deliver a huge boost for the town.”
Cllr Spooner commented: “Tunsgate Quarter will be a great addition to Guildford’s retail and restaurant choices. The design links well with the Castle and retailers along Tunsgate creating a district that incorporates the heritage and vibrancy of that part of the town. It’s important that we maintain our position as the pre-eminent retail destination in Surrey, and Tunsgate Quarter will be an important part in achieving that.”
Additionally, Queensberry has signed Cath Kidston, the quintessentially British lifestyle brand, to the scheme. Cath Kidston has been trading in Guildford for 10 years and will move to a new store in Tunsgate Quarter. Its new home will showcase a wider range of the brand’s distinctive fashion, products for kids, accessories and homeware lines.
The new signings join other top retailers at the redeveloped centre, such as Loaf, opening its first outlet outside London, home furnishings brand OKA and cosmetic brand Bobbi Brown.
When complete later this year, the new-look Tunsgate Quarter will comprise 18 shops and eight restaurants, and will connect the High Street with Castle Street. The scheme will have a striking new atrium at its heart with two new levels to the rear.