Improvements to Horley town centre agreed

The site is allocated in the council’s Development Management Plan for redevelopment and the project also supports the aims of its Housing Delivery Strategy.

Feasibility work for the project will take place later this year and, subject to the outcome and approval to proceed by the Executive, a planning application is expected to be submitted in early summer 2021.

Public space improvements

Public space improvements along the High Street, between the precinct and Horley subway, will enhance its look and feel and how pedestrians and cyclists flow around the town. It is hoped the enhancements will boost confidence in the town, helping to attract more visitors and investment.

Improvements are likely to include new street furniture, planting and signage, as well as measures, promote cycling and improve connectivity for pedestrians through investment in pavements and crossings. They will build on the recent improvements in the precinct.

Design of the scheme should be finished in summer 2021 and the works completed by spring 2022. It will be delivered in partnership with Surrey County Council as the local highways authority.

Refurbishing the subway

The refurbishment of Horley subway will improve accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists and create a safer, well-lit and more welcoming space. It will also improve the condition of the structure, which was built in 1905, and address drainage and flooding issues.

A feasibility survey will be carried out later this year to establish the full extent of the works required, followed by design development. Works are expected to get underway in late 2021 and be complete by summer 2022.

Pay-on-exit car parking

Pay on exit parking will be installed at both Victoria Road and Central car parks to generate more and longer visits to the town, increasing spending locally and boosting the local economy and vibrancy of the town centre.

Eddy Humphreys, executive member for place and economic prosperity, said: “This package of projects is great news for Horley and promises to bring a range of benefits for the town. They will help the Council to deliver our aspirations to invest in the town centre, drive economic prosperity, deliver more affordable homes and work with partners to create strong, safe and welcoming communities, as set out in our corporate plan ‘Reigate and Banstead 2025’.

“It’s a challenging time for high streets across the country with people changing the way they shop. This investment is even more important than ever, with businesses and communities hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. I hope residents and businesses will welcome the plans to boost the town.”

The council plans to seek community feedback on design proposals for the public realm improvements, subway refurbishment and emerging proposals for the High Street car park in due course.

Horley Town Council supported the Council’s bid to the LEP for the projects.

David Powell, Town Mayor and Council Chairman, on behalf of Horley Town Council, said: “Horley Town Council is very pleased to hear about the planned delivery of regeneration projects in Horley town centre. Any investment into vital redevelopment to benefit residents and businesses is to be welcomed and so is great news to help reinvigorate the town through contemporary urban planning and to fuel economic growth to shape a brighter future for the Horley community.”