DEVELOPER Crest Nicholson has provided an update on its £115m regeneration scheme in Farnham town centre, now known as Brightwells Yard, including unveiling new computer-generated images of the finished scheme.

The long-awaited Brightwells Yard development, which began last month in partnership with landowner Waverley Borough Council, will regenerate a disused part of the town to provide a £40m pedestrianised retail and leisure hub of 9,814 square metres alongside 239 new apartments, including 72 for shared ownership, set around a new town square.

Retailers currently confirmed for the 25-unit retail centre include M&S Food, Ask Italian, and Sea Salt.

Brightwells Yard will also be a new focus for leisure and evening entertainment in Farnham, with a six-screen Reel cinema and restaurants, along with a celebration of Farnham’s ‘craft town’ status through new public art.

According to Crest Nicholson, the scheme, designed by international architectural practice Scott Brownrigg, and which has been part pre-funded by Surrey County Council, incorporates a new market square and a “significant” green space – Brightwells Gardens - that provides a link to the adjacent River Wey footpath.

A new town-centre car park is being built, together with improvements to the car park of the adjoining Sainsbury’s store, providing additional links to the town centre.

The Grade II Listed Brightwell House sits at the heart of the site and will also be refurbished as part of the scheme, “adding to its mixture of architectural styles”, says Crest.

Brightwells Yard will have a phased opening from spring 2021 with the final apartments expected to be fully complete by autumn 2022.

Tim Jones, development director at Crest Nicholson, said: “Brightwells Yard is an exciting opportunity for retailers and customers, which will bring greater choice to Farnham town centre. The new cinema and commercial offer, alongside much-needed housing, will bring a new lease of life to Farnham and will bring the quieter end of the town back into use and right up to date.”

Julia Potts, leader of Waverley Borough Council, added: “We are pleased construction has now started on this exciting new development, which will regenerate an area of Farnham that is currently much underutilised. This will not only deliver new affordable homes, but also bring new customers, jobs and investment to the area by significantly improving Farnham’s commercial, retail, dining and entertainment offer.”

Colin Kemp, Surrey County Council’s cabinet lead for place, said: “This scheme is an excellent example of how we’re working with boroughs and districts in the county – and in this case Crest too – to deliver much-needed new homes for residents while also regenerating local areas, delivering improvements to boost economic growth and creating an income to reinvest in council services.”