Surrey yesterday and today: Google Maps images illustrate how cities have changed in a decade

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Many of Surrey’s landmarks have undergone some major changes over the past decade.

From extensive, multi-million dollar transformations, such as the current developments in Victoria Square in Woking and Marketfield Way in Redhill, to more subtle changes to many of our main streets.

It’s always hard to remember the finer details of what your area was like, so we hope to make your life a little easier.

READ MORE: 36 free things to see and do in and around Surrey

We used Google Street View’s ability to go back in time to show how much, or how little, Surrey has changed from the first available screengrab (around 2008) to as close as possible to the present day.

So see how much you remember how many of Surrey’s sites looked in the not-too-distant past.

Victoria Square, Woking

Let’s start with an area that, as already mentioned, is under considerable development as Victoria Square in Woking is set to introduce 429 apartments in two towers of 34 and 32 floors, as well as a 189-room Hilton hotel, some commercial space and parking. multi-storey.

December 2020: Victoria Square, Woking (Image: Google)

This inevitably resulted in a clearly visible difference from these two photos between 2008 and 2020 as construction work, now expected to cost 700m, continues. While we have more recent photos of Victoria Square taken last month – you can see them here – using the latest Google Maps image offers a similar comparison to 2008 in that it’s the same shot.

August 2008: Victoria Square, Woking (Image: Google)

The vastness of this operation is evidenced by the height of these two towers and the way they detract from what was previously in place.

The car park on the right is inevitably gone with an updated road link that has been put in place right in front of the new buildings whilst we have also seen the introduction of a new traffic light as we enter this part of Woking.

Dorking March 2021: Dorking High Street (Image: Google)

One place that hasn’t seen the same overhaul is Dorking, but that doesn’t mean everything has stayed the same in these select years.

This is a road that has a history of two halves; the right side facing the camera has seen over a decade of stability with Sainsbury’s and Robert Dyas’ home improvement store both still booming.

November 2008: Dorking High Street (Image: Google)

However, the left side of this particular main street has seen a mini makeover. Closer to the camera, Thomas Cook gave way to Dash Barbers, The Edinburgh Woolen Mill was one of many shops forced to give way to a coffee chain in recent years (Starbucks in this case) while the now defunct Phones 4u was replaced by EE.

Redhill March 2021: Redhill (Image: Google)

As in the case of Victoria Square, Redhill is also undergoing major regeneration with the Reigate and Banstead Borough Council Marketfield Way project on track to conclude in the summer of 2022.

In place of a cluster of commercial and office buildings, a seven-screen cinema complex with 11 units for restaurants and shops on the ground and first floors will eventually be completed. You can see the crane in the distance on the right at the Marketfield Way site, as we approach from the A25 across the High Street. In the 2008 image the old buildings, which included Argos and the Mamma Mia restaurant, are still in place.

October 2008: Redhill (Image: Google)

As for the other details in the pictures, the Frankie and Benny’s restaurant is out and Papa John’s pizza delivery service is active.

There will be pizza competition in Redhill as Domino’s remains in place on the left while the Dog and Duck pub site has been left empty, after its change to The Tower and subsequently The Eagles Nest and then the latter’s closure, between the period of these two photos (October 2008 and March 2021).

Cobham High Street March 2021: Cobham High Street (Image: Google)

The UK’s main road has faced many challenges since 2008; a 13-year period marked by one of the worst recessions of a generation and by a global pandemic that has blocked the country.

No place in Surrey illustrates these testing times better than this particular part of Cobham High Street. The second photo from 2008 represents a busy and bustling street (perhaps aided by the English flags waving in support of the football team during the 2008 European Championships) with a multitude of shops, cafes and banks for customers to choose from.

July 2008: Cobham High Street (Image: Google)

Fast forward to the present day and we are faced with far fewer options given the collection of spaces now barred.

The absence of flowers in the lower right corner perhaps encapsulates the somber prospect that the modern high street will seek to overcome in the coming years.

Epsom Upper High Street

Another area that has seen more subtle changes is Epsom’s Upper High Street.

August 2020: Epsom (Image: Google)

Starting farthest from the camera on the right, the Glamorous Garage entered to replace the Threshers wine shop that was previously there. Then we have a constant from Tileys where the only noticeable change is a new coat of paint. Then, in 2008, we come across a trio of fast food restaurants that have all gone through slightly different fates.

October 2008: Epsom (Image: Google)

Antolia Kebab continues to lead this group as a pizza brand change comes when Pizza and Chicken Base become American Pizza. Finally, Indian Takeaway Spice Hut has morphed into Art Of Cut barbershops.

Camberley

Our last place to go back in time is Camberley, another area that has seen great progression modes over the past 13 years.

October 2020: Camberley (Image: Google)

In 2008, white was on the agenda with some of the substantial expansions already in the early stages of development.

We move to the current city center which features the modern looking lobby, a collection of big brands and a VUE cinema.

It’s nice to see the Carpenters Arms survive this evolution, even if the pub itself has undergone a makeover.

September 2008: Camberley (Image: Google)

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