Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 11, Guildford Borough Council has appointed McLaren Construction to develop a £38.4 million operations hub at the Weyside Urban Village regeneration site in Guildford, UK. The new facility will centralize council services, including waste collection, fleet maintenance, MoT testing, parks, countryside management, housing repairs, engineering, and the town museum archive, into three purpose-built structures.

The hub is designed to align with the council’s 2030 net-zero target, incorporating energy-efficient features such as a ‘fabric first’ approach, air source heat pumps, solar panels, and a mix of blue and brown roofs. These elements aim to minimize energy use, lower maintenance costs, and ensure adaptability for future needs, supporting sustainable operations.

McLaren Construction has partnered with subcontractors, including ICS for roofing and cladding, Bauder for the roof system, SCWS for steelwork, C&M Fabrications for secondary steel, Halsall for mechanical and electrical services, Stark for drylining, and Schindler for lifts. The project is located on former scrubland east of the Slyfield Industrial Estate, previously a landfill site, which has been decontaminated and leveled above the Burpham water main to prepare for construction.

Tom Hunt, deputy council leader and lead member for regeneration, stated: “The facility has been designed with staff input, and includes electric vehicle charging bays to support our transition to a greener fleet.” He noted that relocating the existing depot would release land for housing and enhance service efficiency, contributing to the council’s broader goals.

David Gavin, McLaren Construction’s managing director for industrial and logistics, said: “The depot would offer long-term value, delivering modern workspaces despite financial constraints.” The project is expected to provide a functional, high-quality facility that meets the council’s operational needs while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

The operations hub forms part of the Weyside Urban Village masterplan, which includes plans for approximately 1,500 homes, as well as employment and community spaces. By consolidating services into a modern, eco-friendly facility, the project supports the council’s vision for sustainable development and improved community infrastructure. Construction is scheduled to be completed by summer 2026, marking a significant step in the regeneration of the area.

This initiative reflects Guildford Borough Council’s commitment to balancing environmental responsibility with practical service delivery. The hub’s design and location aim to optimize resources, reduce environmental impact, and create opportunities for housing and economic growth within the Weyside Urban Village framework.