The company behind the 125,000 sq ft project is a joint venture between Peacocks Shopping Centre owner Moyallen, Surrey County Council and Woking Borough Council.

Their joint venture Bandstand Square Developments hopes to get the green light to build a new civic space entitled Victoria Square on the site of Bandstand Square, Woking Fire Station and the former home of the town’s market.

It aims to submit for full planning later this year with a phased construction programme beginning next year.

The proposed scheme will comprise of new retail floor space anchored by a 60,000 sq ft Marks & Spencer store, a new Boots, plus a four star hotel with conference facilities, spa and gym, new residential apartments, additional car parking, and two new public plazas.

Councillor John Kingsbury, leader of Woking Borough Council, said: “These exciting redevelopment proposals to create Victoria Square will positively transform this part of Woking town centre and deliver a high quality mixed use development anchored by Marks & Spencer. It will include a number of improvements that will benefit local people as well as attracting important investment into the town.”

The professional team includes Benoy as architects, Turley Associates as planning consultant and Vectos as highways consultant.