Victoria Square

As one of the largest urban transformation projects ever undertaken in Surrey, the Victoria Square development stands to be a key catalyst for Woking’s continued growth as a major economic player within the region and further afield.

The project is set to deliver 125,000 sq. ft. of retail space, 429 residential apartments in two iconic sky-high towers, a new four-star Hilton hotel, a 50,000 sq. ft. flagship Marks and Spencer store, two public plazas, a medical centre and 2,800 parking spaces.

The Requirement

We were approached by Sir Robert McAlpine to supply and install approximately 2,000 roller blinds throughout the two iconic high rise residential towers.

The Challenges & Solutions

There were several challenges that Waverley worked with Sir Robert McAlpine and Benoy to overcome. Firstly, due to the limited space between the top of glazing and ventilation, the blind pocket size was reduced to 89mm.  Waverley had to put forward and install mock-ups to make sure that the blind would fit in this space.

The second, more complex challenge was to ensure that the blinds were compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 – this meant chain could be no higher than 1200mm from the floor whilst complying with child safety legislation. Waverley researched a wide range of systems available, finally installing a breakaway chain system that satisfied both requirements.

Our final proposal consisted of our own ShadeTech RBL-C Roller Blinds with manual side chain operation in a mixture of BetaScreen 90 3% Screen fabric, and BetaScreen 90 Blackout fabric.

The screen fabric allows good through-vision to the panoramic views across Woking and beyond, whilst limiting glare.

The blackout fabric blocks much of the light coming through the window, perfect for eliminating glare and solar heat gain.

The roller blinds were concealed in a ceiling pocket, to ensure a seamless appearance from the inside.

The Outcome

The £540m venture is a product of Woking’s future ambitions, and with such an iconic design, the development is a powerful symbol of growth, transforming the town’s skyline and reaffirming the council’s commitment to creating economic opportunities within the region.

We received great feedback from the Package Engineer from Sir Robert McAlpine:

“At every stage of the construction process Waverley have been a pleasure to work with. From the tender stage all the way through to practical completion they have been helpful, pro-active, and professional. All of the staff, including the on-site project manager Lloyd, have been a great asset to the progression of the project.”

Ed McAlpine, Chair and Executive Partner at Sir Robert McAlpine, has commented on the overall progress of the project:

“It’s a masterpiece of modern engineering and carefully designed to accurately meet the needs of an ambitious, forward-looking destination with a goal to achieve, compete and outpace, Victoria Square represents a stunning, physical testament to that determination.”

Councillor David Bittleston, leader of Woking Borough Council, also commented on the project:

“Our bold and ambitious transformation is already yielding benefits and creating new and exciting economic opportunities that will continue to dramatically enhance the quality of life in Woking and further afield to underpin this important, strategic location as an enterprising, vibrant and sustainable place in which to live, work and visit.