Published on 12 January 2026, the Environment Agency confirmed it will present updated designs and artists’ impressions for the Guildford Flood Alleviation Scheme, inviting residents and businesses to view materials and share feedback. The programme targets long‑standing flood risk from the River Wey and is being developed with Guildford Borough Council and Surrey County Council. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-plans-for-guildford-flood-defence-scheme-to-go-on-show))
According to the Agency, partners are nearing the end of the initial appraisal and will shortly submit a business case to justify the scheme. Under HM Treasury guidance, major public investments typically progress through Strategic Outline Case, Outline Business Case and Full Business Case using the Five Case Model; the Agency has not specified which stage is being prepared. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-plans-for-guildford-flood-defence-scheme-to-go-on-show))
Three engagement sessions are scheduled: Saturday 17 January 2026, 12:00–17:00 at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre; Tuesday 20 January 2026, 19:00–20:00 online via Microsoft Teams; and Thursday 22 January 2026, 15:00–18:00 at Guildford Borough Council offices. The sessions will present updated sketches and maps and provide opportunities to question project staff. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-plans-for-guildford-flood-defence-scheme-to-go-on-show))
The Agency says learning from earlier drop‑ins in 2024 and February 2025 is informing current design work, with the January sessions aimed at testing options to reduce town‑centre flood risk while maintaining access and connectivity along the River Wey. Organisers emphasise the importance of local knowledge in refining a preferred option. ([engageenvironmentagency.uk.engagementhq.com](https://engageenvironmentagency.uk.engagementhq.com/guildford-flood-alleviation-scheme/widgets/120519/faqs))
On timetable and resourcing, Environment Agency scheme information indicates the next project stage-covering detailed assessments, surveys and further engagement-will last at least two to three years. Costs will be confirmed once a single plan is developed. Funding would likely combine central government Grant in Aid, support from the Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee, local council contributions and other beneficiaries. ([engageenvironmentagency.uk.engagementhq.com](https://engageenvironmentagency.uk.engagementhq.com/guildford-flood-alleviation-scheme/widgets/120519/faqs))
Governance sits with the Environment Agency as project lead, alongside Guildford Borough Council and Surrey County Council. The scheme is intended to align with the borough’s wider town‑centre regeneration aims and may include environmental enhancements such as potential fish passes at Unstead and St Catherine’s weirs upstream of the town. ([engageenvironmentagency.uk.engagementhq.com](https://engageenvironmentagency.uk.engagementhq.com/guildford-flood-alleviation-scheme/widgets/120519/faqs))
While proposals advance, operational measures continue. The Agency reports ongoing maintenance of the River Wey-vegetation management and removal of blockages-to help manage flood risk. A temporary defence plan for Mary Road and William Road sets out how temporary barriers could be deployed if a flood warning is issued. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-plans-for-guildford-flood-defence-scheme-to-go-on-show))
Households and businesses are encouraged to check their flood risk and register for warnings via GOV.UK or Floodline on 0345 988 1188. Queries and newsletter sign‑ups can be sent to guildfordfloodscheme@environment‑agency.gov.uk, with updates available on the Agency’s engagement page and X account. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-plans-for-guildford-flood-defence-scheme-to-go-on-show))
New transparency rules introduced on 11 June 2025 require departments to publish a Summary or Full Business Case for projects on the Government Major Projects Portfolio within four months of HM Treasury approval; the Agency has not stated whether the Guildford scheme is on the GMPP. Policy Wire analysis: if the forthcoming stage lasts at least two to three years as indicated, final approvals and procurement are unlikely before the late‑2020s, subject to funding and statutory consents. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/publishing-business-cases-guidance/publishing-business-cases-guidance-for-departments-accessible?utm_source=openai))