Plans for a town-centre residential building ranging from two to 17 storeys with communal roof gardens for panoramic views across Surrey have been submitted to Woking Borough Council.

Developers JRL Group and Halcyon Development are hoping to build 329 studios of “co-living accommodation” next to Woking railway station.

The plans call for the demolition of most of the buildings between 3 and 12 High Street to make way for the town’s latest development.

Architects Assael said: “Our proposal for this co-living development aims to bring vitality and life back to an underutilised town-centre site along Woking High Street.

“The heritage-led design retains and refurbishes the existing, locally-listed High Street frontage, behind which the intent is for existing charity tenant The Lighthouse to re-occupy the space at ground floor.

“Above, the scheme introduces new forms set back from the street, which take cues from nearby heritage buildings with crittal-style windows, brick pitched-roof profiles, and stone detailing.”

According to plans submitted to the council, “other than the frontage of No. 3-5 High Street, which is to be retained and refurbished as part of the development proposals, all other buildings are to be demolished. 

“The façade of No. 6-7 High Street will be sympathetically rebuilt in facsimile of the original building.”

The proposed building will provide 329 studios of co-living accommodation in a layers block ranging from two to 17 storeys in height and includes a basement floor.

Planning documents say this will allow for the High Street frontage to be retained at two-to-three storeys in height.

As well as the shared roof garden, the plans include communal spaces to include what developers have described as a “MasterChef-style” kitchen; communal and private dining areas; a library and co-working space; a gym and wellness suite; a cinema room; a laundry room; bar and lounge areas.

The ground-floor commercial space, developers said, “has been designed to accommodate the requirements of The Lighthouse, a vibrant community hub that currently occupies space within some of the existing buildings on the site.”

The scheme also proposes work to the High Street, including reconfiguration of servicing and parking bays and the introduction of street trees and landscaping.

The existing vehicle access from Chapel Street will be upgraded to provide access for refuse collection as well as access to accessible parking bays and cycle storage.

Public consultation into the plans are ongoing and will run until Sunday, September 4 – and a decision is expected to be made on whether to refuse or approve the plans in November.

Historic England has been notified as the local authority thinks it would affect the character or appearance of a conservation area.