Guildford Borough Council has announced that the town’s award-winning Tourist Information Centre will move to new premises at the Guildford House Gallery in the High Street.
The Tourism Information Centre, which was awarded Visit Britain official partner status earlier this year and is the only one of its kind in Surrey, could join the gallery as early as spring 2011. The move would offer a new centre for culture and tourism in Guildford for residents and visitors alike.
Lead councillor for culture and heritage, Cllr Jen Powell, says:
“Locating the Tourist Information Centre and Guildford House Gallery together will strengthen both services and give a real boost to our tourist economy. With this move we aim to substantially increase visitor numbers and provide cost savings.”
The decision to relocate was taken after considering a number of options for the Tourist Information Centre and potential alternative uses for Guildford House Gallery.
Guildford Council also consulted on a number of occasions with local interest groups including the Friends of Guildford House, Guildford Arts, the Cultural Action Group, the Access Group, Guildford Business Forum, Town Centre Management Group, tourism partners and other users of Guildford House.
To preserve its historic character and Grade-I listed status, Guildford House Gallery will be refurbished and altered sensitively to accommodate the Tourist Information Centre.
