Clarion Housing Association has secured approval to transform a key Dorking office site into affordable housing.
- The approved project involves demolishing Regent House and constructing 126 affordable flats.
- The design includes two blocks with commercial space at the ground level.
- Clarion collaborates with Mole Valley District Council to address local housing needs.
- Construction is anticipated to commence in 2025, post appointment of a contractor.
Clarion Housing Association has achieved a significant milestone with the approval of its project to convert a well-known office site in Dorking into vital housing. The plan, sanctioned by Mole Valley District Council, involves the demolition of Regent House, a three-storey office structure currently vacant, and its transformation into 126 units dedicated to affordable rent. This development is representative of Clarion’s ongoing efforts to address the pressing housing requirements in the area.
The architectural planning has been entrusted to Assael Architecture, which has laid out a design featuring two distinctive blocks, one with three storeys and the other with seven. Additionally, the design incorporates a commercial unit of 500 square metres on the ground floor, envisaged to enhance local business activity and community engagement, complementing the residential aspect of the project.
Clarion’s strategic partnership with Mole Valley District Council has been pivotal in aligning the project with the community’s expectations and regional planning guidelines. According to Richard Cook, Clarion’s director of development, the initiative is not just about providing homes but also about creating a vibrant community that respects and enhances the local environment. Cook emphasised that quality and sustainability are central to the project’s ethos, highlighting Clarion’s commitment to delivering on these fronts.
The project’s timeline anticipates the selection of a construction contractor as the next crucial step, with actual building operations slated to begin in 2025. Clarion’s forward-looking approach seeks to ensure that the newly developed flats not only meet immediate housing needs but also contribute positively to the region’s long-term development goals.
This project marks a progressive step towards meeting Dorking’s affordable housing needs through sustainable development.
