Loungers PLC, the owner of Lounges restaurants has signed an Agreement for Lease with Waverley Borough Council to occupy the former M & Co premises at 69 High Street, Godalming.
A planning application for the commercial development will be submitted by the end of the month and there will be drop-in sessions from 12 noon-2pm and 5pm-7pm at the Burys on Wednesday 17 April for local residents to see plans and give their views on the proposals. Residents can also view and comment on the plans at: www.waverley.gov.uk/69highstreet.
Waverley Borough Council purchased the site in May 2022 to create a mixed-use development that would bring regeneration to the town centre and much needed environmentally-friendly, affordable housing. The aim was to secure a high-quality tenant that would bring increased footfall to the high street, add to the local economy and provide employment opportunities.
The council will now begin the next phase of the project to reconfigure the existing retail premises ready for Loungers to occupy a 2-storey restaurant at the front of the site. A real home from home, The Lounge will cater for all tastes throughout the day with a varied and innovative all-day menu. Particular attention will be paid to families with a selection of games, books, colouring pencils and pads on offer. A full menu, highchairs and baby-changing facilities are also available for Little Loungers.
The space behind the retail unit will be developed in due course for up to ten new affordable homes. These new living spaces will be energy efficient and designed sympathetically to the surrounding area. The homes will reflect the council’s strategy to create more affordable housing in Godalming, as well as protecting the environment by using a previously developed site and optimising the space. A planning application for the housing will be submitted later this year.
Marieke van der Reijden, Waverley Borough Council Executive Head of Assets and Property, said:
“I am so pleased Loungers are going to have a presence in our Town Centre. Our key aim is to ensure the development happens quickly and this contract allows the project to progress. The mixed-use site is an exciting opportunity to regenerate and draw further investment to the area going forward, providing a place for work, leisure and living, right in the heart of Godalming. It is good to see the development will also deliver new affordable housing that meets environmental targets. I believe this is a great project for the council and the on-going opportunities it will bring to our area”.
Gemma Irwin, Community Manager at Loungers, said: “We’re so looking forward to opening in Godalming next year. We hope our family friendly environment and top-notch food and drink offering will prove popular with local residents.
“We’re passionate about integrating genuinely into the communities we serve so we’re looking forward to meeting everyone and to playing our part at the heart of Godalming's food and drink scene. Anyone looking for a space to host events or groups should pop in once we’re open, we’d love to hear from them and see what we can do to help.”