The contract award follows the developer’s confirmation of £132m in funding for the 180-home St Mary’s Wharf development on the banks of the River Wey in Guildford town centre.
Bennett Construction will take over management of the 1.7-acre site and begin preparatory works immediately, with the main construction phase scheduled to start in the coming weeks.
Since obtaining planning consent in 2022, Native Land has made substantial investments in the St Mary’s Wharf site, completing demolition, basement and ground-floor infrastructure, as well as essential flood protection works.
Robert Harris, Development Director at Native Land, said: “St Mary’s Wharf is a rare riverside development in an exceptional town centre. It will deliver sustainable, high-quality homes across tenures, including integrated affordable housing, and outstanding public realm for Guildford.
“We are excited to now start the principal phase of construction work at St Mary’s Wharf with Bennett Construction, delivering significant regeneration benefits to Guildford Town Centre.”
Mark Keyes, Managing Director at Bennett Construction, added: “This appointment reflects Bennett Construction’s strong track record in delivering high-quality, complex residential developments.
“We look forward to working collaboratively with Native Land and the wider project team to bring their vision for St Mary’s Wharf to life, delivering an exceptional development with quality, safety and programme performance at the heart of our approach.”
Designed by architect Squire & Partners and landscape architect Gillespies, St Mary’s Wharf will transform one of Guildford town centre’s most prominent brownfield sites. The scheme will deliver 180 homes across two distinctive buildings, set within an acre of new public gardens, alongside a riverside walkway and dedicated dining and retail space.
The residential sales launch is scheduled for spring 2027, with completion currently expected before the end of 2028.
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