A cluster of skyscrapers that look more Singapore than Surrey rises high over the centre of Woking. Called Victoria Square, the trio of towers – the biggest is 34 storeys – is unusual for a brand new landmark development in that backing for them didn’t come from a Gulf state, Chinese investors or a global asset manager. Instead, the proud owner of Britain’s tallest buildings outside of a major city is Woking borough council.
The towers are the pinnacle of a near-£2bn debt-fuelled investment programme that has split local opinion, been repeated by councils across the country, and set alarm bells ringing in national government.
