Farnham forum on Woolmead future goes ahead after venue change

The long-running saga over the future of The Woolmead has taken another twist, with residents putting forward their own ideas for the key Farnham site after a public forum was almost derailed at the last minute.

The two-hour meeting, organised by Farnham Theatre Association (FTA), went ahead at Farnham Museum’s Garden Gallery on Saturday, September 19, after Surrey County Council pulled the plug on the original venue less than 48 hours earlier.

It had been due to take place at The Brightwells & Co Creative Space, but organisers were forced to scramble for an alternative after landlord SCC withdrew the venue.

Despite the late change, residents gathered to debate what should happen to The Woolmead, with ideas ranging from a theatre and youth centre to affordable housing, student accommodation and spaces for local craftspeople.

The forum was the latest development in the continuing debate over the long-awaited redevelopment.

It followed a petition launched by Chapter One Developments and its co-founder Ashley Burton calling on Homes England to reopen the bidding process. The petition attracted more than 1,455 signatures and followed changes to the Community Infrastructure Levy Exceptional Circumstances Relief.

Farnham Estates, the successful bidder for the site, has said it intends to bring forward its design in the future, but that technical matters need to be resolved before proposals can be presented publicly.

Residents heard presentations from Yolande Hesse, Michael Holden, John Neale and Richard Hunt before the floor was opened to questions and ideas.

Ms Hesse presented a concept for East Street and The Woolmead and raised concerns about vacant units at Brightwells.

She suggested empty spaces could temporarily be offered to local makers and craftspeople while permanent tenants are sought.

“This town is full of lovely, talented craftspeople who would love to have a workshop,” she said.

Mr Holden, a theatre consultant, unveiled plans for a multi-use theatre with flexible seating for between 300 and more than 600 people.

He also suggested establishing a community company to lease parts of Brightwells for community use.

Other ideas raised included a youth centre, student accommodation, affordable housing and an outdoor theatre.

Richard Hunt said The Woolmead represented a major opportunity for the town.

“This is the last major site to be developed in Farnham and is an opportunity,” he said.

The meeting ended without a single agreed proposal, but speakers stressed the importance of developing a clear vision for what Farnham wants from one of its most significant remaining development sites.