The Farnham Board was scheduled to discuss progress on several key infrastructure schemes in the town, including updates on the Town Centre Improvement Scheme and the Farnham A31 Corridor. The meeting was also set to review short and medium-term interventions and consider the overall programme and associated risks.

Town Centre Improvement Scheme Update

The meeting was scheduled to receive an update on the ongoing Town Centre Improvement Scheme. This included details on the phasing of works, with several phases reported as complete, including the junction of Longbridge and Union Road, and the Lower Church Lane entrance. Phases covering Downing Street and West Street were scheduled for completion in October 2025, with Downing Street set to reopen on November 1st, 2025, and permanent traffic lights to become operational on the same date.

Further phases were planned for November and December 2025, including night works on South Street and Union Road, and advanced works on Victoria Road. The programme for early 2026 included the resumption of works on Downing Street (North) and West Street, with pavement resurfacing planned for January. The Borough was scheduled for works from January to March 2026, running concurrently with works at the Royal Deer Junction from January to April 2026. Victoria Road works were slated for completion between April and June 2026, with nighttime resurfacing closures. Castle Street works were scheduled to commence in April 2026, with the delivery of Yorkstone paving expected in the same month.

Discussions were anticipated regarding the appearance and potential relocation of utility boxes at the intersection of Downing Street and West Street. The possibility of converting raingardens into planters was also to be considered, with a review of the size of the raingarden outside the Tellers Arms noted. A request was made for a review of the 2026 programme to minimise disruption. Additional works identified by Councillor George Hesse on a site visit were acknowledged, with the understanding that these were beyond the current project scope and would require separate funding and procedures.

Communications regarding the Downing Street closure were highlighted, including pre-closure messaging, marketing materials to support local shops, and updates to local media. Messaging also covered the temporary reopening of Downing Street for a food festival and the explanation of the full reopening and road layout changes. Further messaging was planned for the upcoming closure of The Borough from January to March 2026. Concerns about access to the Bush Hotel after 10 pm were to be addressed, with advice that Ringway operatives would be present to assist.

Farnham A31 Corridor Update

An update on the Farnham A31 Corridor scheme was scheduled, noting that approval delays had increased costs for the Strategic Outline Business Case. The team was assessing options and conducting traffic modelling based on new guidance. Discussions with the Department for Transport (DfT) were expected to shape the next steps, with the aim of submitting the Outline Business Case by August 2026. Councillor Catherine Powell and Greg Stafford MP were expected to discuss whether the scheme review results would be submitted to the Farnham Board for consideration.

Short and Medium-Term Interventions Update

The meeting was set to receive an update on short and medium-term interventions, specifically the Borelli Cycle Improvement Scheme and the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). For the Borelli Cycle Improvement Scheme, detailed design was completed, a Stage 2 safety audit was finished, and the Environment Agency had accepted the design. Preparations were underway for construction to commence on November 3rd, 2025, with Ringway undertaking the work. Discussions were anticipated regarding requests for footway widening and lighting outside the scope of the Farnham Infrastructure Programme, which would require separate projects and permissions.

Regarding the LCWIP, an updated report with an addendum had been published, including agreed priority cycle and walk schemes for further feasibility design and development. Project summary scheme information was available on the Surrey County Council webpage. Feasibility design (LCWIP stage 2) was in progress with a project team and transport consultants. Councillor Powell had requested that the addendum report be published or circulated to Farnham Board members.

Programme and Risks

The Board was scheduled to review the overall programme and associated risks. This included noting completed programme projects such as the Wayfinding strategy, the A325 reclassification, and the re-routing of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs). The Riverside Cycle Improvement Scheme and the Borelli Cycle Improvement Scheme were also reported as substantially complete. The Farnham LCWIP report was completed, with an addendum published in September 2025.

Key risks for the Programme were to be discussed, including inflation impacting programme costs, the availability of funding, and alignment with evolving central government policy. The risk of scope creep, where additional work could reduce funding for other projects, was also highlighted, with finances for the programme noted as highly constrained. The report indicated that the Board has no statutory powers, and any decisions requiring approval would be subject to Surrey County Council's procedures. An Equality Impact Assessment carried out in August 2021 indicated no substantive concerns associated with the Programme's proposals at that time.