The long-awaited multi-million pound transformation of Sheerwater is well underway!

The major regeneration project will breathe new life into the area, creating a thriving, sustainable community that meets the changing needs of modern living.

The scheme will see millions of pounds invested into the local area to deliver new and improved housing, roads, open green space, shops, leisure and community facilities.

Modern new homes
The number of homes will double from the current 570 to around 1,200 properties, almost half of which will be affordable housing. The old 1950s housing stock will be replaced with a variety of high quality new homes for rent and sale that are energy efficient and will cater for people through all stages of life.

First class leisure amenities
Works to a new leisure complex at Bishop David Brown boasting a 25-metre swimming pool plus a separate teaching pool, sports hall, studios and a gym has already begun. The outside facilities include a full-size 3G football pitch, and new grass football and rugby pitches. Once open, the state-of-the-art sports and leisure facilities will be shared between the school and the local community.

Open green space
A large central park area will become the ‘green heart’ of the new community, putting open space and nature within easy reach of everyone. Landscaped, tree-lined avenues will link this central space to the Basingstoke Canal to the north and provide attractive routes through the estate that offer additional shared gardens and outdoor space to residents.

Pedestrian friendly
In the new scheme pedestrians and cyclists are given priority over cars, with a network of pathways that will make finding your way around easy. Main vehicle routes are kept to the perimeter of the estate rather than cutting across it. 

Facilities for the whole community
An open square will create a ‘gateway’ to the development, with a new community centre, preschool nursery, health centre, pharmacy and dentist surgery, as well as units for shops and restaurants, with space for outdoor dining. Nearby accommodation for elderly residents puts these amenities on their doorstep.

Neighbourhoods
Canalside will comprise several neighbourhoods with distinct identities, offering a range of houses and apartments of different sizes, from one-bedroom studios to five-bedroom houses. The emphasis is on family-sized properties designed to offer flexible accommodation with the potential for adaptation to meet specific needs.

Reducing our impact of the environment
A dedicated energy centre will provide heat and power to the leisure centre and to the medium rise residential blocks in the central part of the development. Whilst enhanced insulation, low energy lighting, solar panels, ground source heat-pumps and electric car charging points will all help Canalside minimise its environmental impact.

Construction
Development of the 74-acre (30 hectare) site will take place in phases to minimise disruption to existing residents and services. This approach is also taken with open space and other facilities so that there is no loss of public amenities during the development work.

It is expected that the regeneration scheme will be completed by 2026.

For more information about the regeneration scheme, please woking.gov.uk/sheerwater