Woking Borough Council offices and Victoria Gate in Woking have been recommended as the preferred locations for West Surrey Council's Operational Headquarters.
Meanwhile, Millmead in Guildford has been recommended as the Civic Headquarters.
This is an essential short-term decision needed for the new authority to operate safely and lawfully from Vesting Day.
If approved by the West Surrey Shadow Executive on 12 October 2026, the recommendations will help ensure the new council can operate effectively and maintain continuity of services for residents from the day it is established, while providing flexible workspace for staff.
The proposed arrangements would see Woking Borough Council offices and Victoria Gate operate as a combined Operational Headquarters from 1 April 2027, supporting the day-to-day running of council services and administrative functions. Millmead in Guildford would serve as the Civic Headquarters, hosting Full Council meetings and associated democratic services functions, including public attendance and participation.
The recommendations are intended to provide West Surrey Council with suitable operational and civic bases from day one, while allowing time to develop longer-term plans for council offices and buildings across West Surrey.
Continued access to local council services
Residents will continue to be able to visit existing local council offices in all areas of West Surrey to enquire about council services and seek support. Online and telephone services will also continue to be available, ensuring residents can access information and support in the way that works best for them.
The proposed headquarters arrangements will not affect how residents access council services in their local communities.
Councillor Paul Follows, Leader, West Surrey Shadow Council, said:
Creating West Surrey Council is about more than bringing organisations together. It's about building a council that is connected to its communities, supports its people and is ready to deliver for residents from day one.
These arrangements provide a stable and practical foundation for the new council, while giving us the flexibility to listen, learn and shape our longer-term plans around the needs of our communities and workforce. As West Surrey Council takes shape, residents will continue to access services through existing local offices, as well as online and by telephone, ensuring support remains local, accessible and focused on the people we serve.
How were the recommendations made?
A range of council owned buildings across West Surrey were assessed against several criteria, including accessibility, transport links, office and council chamber capacity, value for money, IT infrastructure and parking provision.
The assessment identified Woking Borough Council offices and Victoria Gate as the locations best able to meet the operational requirements of the new authority, while Millmead was identified as the location best suited to support the council's civic and democratic functions from 1 April 2027.
A report detailing the Operational and Civic Headquarters recommendations will be considered by the West Surrey Shadow Executive on 12 October 2026.