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Following the Council's purchase of the Wolsey Place shopping centre, the joint management plan and strategy devised with Moyallen, owner of the Peacocks Centre, has generated impressive results for Woking Shopping.

The partnership has implemented a wide range of initiatives, each of which was recognised by the award. These include Jubilee Square, a redesigned public space at the heart of the town centre, and the introduction of Market Walk this autumn, with its state-of-the-art covered market, which has so far attracted more than 250,000 visitors between October 1 and November 25. There have also been a number of key enhancements to Woking Shopping's line-up of brands in the last 18 months, including Pret A Manger, an upsized Topshop, Vision Express, The Entertainer, Patisserie Valerie, Carluccio's, Bill's Restaurant, the Tante Marie Culinary Academy and Las Iguanas, which is soon to make its Woking debut.

Commenting on the BCSC Gold Awards win, Peter Robinson, Managing Director of Moyallen, said: "This award is a very proud moment for Woking Shopping and recognises the success of the partnership in transforming the town's retail and leisure offer. I would like to thank everyone involved in making Woking Shopping such a success. To receive recognition from BCSC for what we have done so far is a great stamp of approval for the next stage in Woking's regeneration."

The jury was also impressed by the partnership's ongoing plans, which will completely transform Woking. In November this year, planning committee approval was granted for the plans to create the comprehensive mixed-use retail-led development, Victoria Square. The finished scheme will include 125,000 sq ft of new retail floorspace anchored by Marks & Spencer, a 190 bed four-star hotel and 392 residential apartments. Wide-reaching public infrastructure is also to be established including a medical centre, car parking spaces and two new public plazas. This follows the works already completed to enhance Commercial Way, the location of a number of the new restaurant additions.

Cllr John Kingsbury, Leader of Woking Borough Council, added: "This award is a great accolade, crowning what has been a fantastic year for Woking Shopping. The creation of new improved public realm and the arrival of leading retailers and restaurants has attracted more visitors to Woking and improved the town centre for residents. The opening of Market Walk, the creation of Jubilee Square and the improvements to Commercial Way also received recognition from the judges, highlighting the positive impact these key initiatives have had on Woking Shopping's success.

"The award is a great reflection of Woking's momentum, but we are not stopping here. Victoria Square is another significant milestone and we remain focused on attracting more of the very best shops and restaurants to the town."

The BCSC awards were decided by a jury comprised of experts from the retail and leisure property industry.

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