WAVERLEY Borough Council's new East Street portfolio holder has promised to approach his role "in an honest and straightforward way" and to be open to all residents' opinions, "even if I don't always agree with them".
He stressed he has "no axe to grind, other than wanting to get the best posibble development for Farnham".
The project last week entered a new phase following planning approval, with decisions taken to start compulsory purchase proceedings and to allow developers Crest Nicholson a two-year extension to the contract.
Richard Gates explained: "As we are now moving into the implementation stage, a different set of skills are required from the portfolio holder. Adam Taylor-Smith has the requisite skills required to make a difference and to ensure that we maintain the momentum required."
Mr Taylor-Smith told The Herald: "I am delighted to be entrusted with the responsibility to move forward the important East Street project for the benefit of Farnham residents.
"I'm coming to the project afresh and without preconceived ideas and am happy to listen to all interested groups."
The new portfolio holder explained that as soon as the deal of indemnity is signed with the developers, he would like to see the whole contract posted on Waverley's website for all to see, including the figures, apart from a few "sensitive" ones.
"I would hope it is something which will be achieved in the next couple of months," he said.
With Crest Nicholson strapped for cash and openly predicting no start for three years, and Waverley anticipating that compulsory purchase may take two years to achieve, there's a high chance there will be no building before the current council ends its term in May 2011.
Adam Taylor-Smith hopes not, but pointed out that plenty of other councils have had to put regeneration projects on ice.
"Twelve months ago we could not have predicted we would be where we are now economically," he said. "I am hoping things are going to get better next year.
"Ideally for a development you are building at a time when you are coming out of a recession and a dip."
His hope is that in 18 months' time, economic confidence will have picked up sufficiently for the scheme to pass the viability test, which is to be undertaken every six months, and to move forward.
Land assembly could be a hurdle, but Mr Taylor-Smith believes there is still scope for securing the F&C site and The Marlborough Head by private treaty or, if not, at least without need for a public inquiry.
"It could be done in ways other than a full hearing and it could be done in a lot less than two years," he stressed.
Ann Thurston, of East Street Action, warned the council last week that if it started compulsory purchase proceedings, leading campaigns groups "are likely to engage barristers to stand alongside the legal team of F & C Asset Management".
But Mr Taylor-Smith denied this would be able to happen.
"To object to a CPO you have to be a statutory objector, the owner of the site or someone who is directly affected by the CPO - they are simply not part of the process."
He explained: "Initially I want to take stock of where we are now and I have reviewed all the relevant background papers, including the development agreement."
A detailed look at the site on the ground, including considering what can be done to make it less unsightly in the short term, was also on the agenda.
Last week's full Waverley Council meeting ended with independent councillor Victor Duckett declaring that he would be pleased if the "atrocious" Crest Nicholson plans weren't able to proceed.
Mr Taylor-Smith denied that other councillors possibly felt the same, referring to the outcome of the planning meeting that approved Crest's planning application.
"Thirty-three to one they thought it was something worth supporting. There were some reservations about things, but when it came down to it they voted for it.
"They're a pretty independent collection of people. If they didn't think something was right they wouldn't vote for it."