WAVERLEY Borough Council’s £115 million redevelopment of East Street is fast approaching the point of no return after the polarising scheme reached a new landmark this week with the closure of Borelli Walk.

The picturesque riverside footpath was shut off to pedestrians last Friday, and will remain so until March 2019 (two months later than previously reported).

This will allow for the construction of a temporary construction access bridge over the River Wey, connecting the Brightwells development site to the A31 - necessitating a two month lane closure on the Farnham Bypass (date to be confirmed).

It adds to a recent flurry of activity on Brightwells as the council’s development partner Crest Nicholson readies the site.

Dogflud car park and the car park in front of The Marlborough Head pub have closed, hoardings are being erected around the construction site, and a number of pathways have been re-routed.

Other preparatory works, including drainage and utility service diversions, are also taking place. And works to discharge a number of vital conditions of Crest’s planning consent - most notably the construction of two ‘bat poles’ to replace existing Pipistrelle bat roosts in the soon-to-be-demolished Redgrave Theatre and Brightwell Cottage - are expected to take place in coming weeks.

Construction of the main part of the Brightwells scheme is expected to be completed in spring 2021.