The Farnham Board of Surrey Council met on Friday 31 October 2025. The board was scheduled receive an overview of progress made on various projects, and to discuss the future of the Brightwells Gostrey Centre project. They were also scheduled to discuss the Farnham Infrastructure Programme.

Brightwells Gostrey Centre

The Farnham Board were scheduled to discuss the Brightwells Gostrey Centre project. The report pack included a recommendation for the board to agree to pause the project while options were reassessed.

The report pack noted that the Brightwells Gostrey Centre project was originally conceived to deliver a new leisure centre, library, cultural and community space in Farnham. It also noted that the project has been subject to a number of challenges, including:

• Changes in the external environment, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis.
• Increased construction costs.
• The need to ensure that the project is financially viable and delivers value for money.

The report pack stated that pausing the project would allow the council to:

• Undertake a detailed review of the project's scope and objectives.
• Explore alternative delivery models.
• Identify potential cost savings.
• Ensure that the project aligns with the council's priorities and the needs of the community.

The report pack stated that the pause would last for a period of up to six months.

Farnham Infrastructure Programme

The Farnham Board were scheduled to receive an update on the Farnham Infrastructure Programme (FIP).

The FIP is a joint initiative between Surrey County Council and Waverley Borough Council, working with Farnham Town Council, to improve infrastructure in Farnham. The programme includes a number of projects, such as:

• The Hickleys Corner Improvements.
• The A325 Wrecclesham Relief Road.
• The Sustainable Movement Corridor.

The report pack included an overview of progress made on each of these projects.

Hickleys Corner Improvements

The Hickleys Corner Improvements aim to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion at the Hickleys Corner junction on the A325. The report pack stated that the project is currently in the detailed design stage, and that construction is expected to begin in Spring 2026.

A325 Wrecclesham Relief Road

The A325 Wrecclesham Relief Road is a new road that will bypass the village of Wrecclesham, to the south of Farnham. The report pack stated that the project is currently in the planning stage, and that a planning application is expected to be submitted in Winter 2025.

Sustainable Movement Corridor

The Sustainable Movement Corridor is a project to improve walking and cycling routes in Farnham. The report pack stated that the project is currently in the feasibility stage, and that a number of potential routes are being considered.

Overview of Progress

The Farnham Board were scheduled to receive an overview of progress on a number of projects and initiatives in Farnham. These included:

• The Brightwells Yard development.
• The Farnham Town Centre Improvement Scheme.
• The Farnham Neighbourhood Plan.

Brightwells Yard

Brightwells Yard is a major development in the centre of Farnham, which includes a new shopping centre, cinema, and residential apartments. The report pack stated that the development is nearing completion, and that the shopping centre is expected to open in Spring 2026.

Farnham Town Centre Improvement Scheme

The Farnham Town Centre Improvement Scheme is a project to improve the appearance and accessibility of Farnham town centre. The report pack stated that the project is currently in the design stage, and that construction is expected to begin in Summer 2026.

Farnham Neighbourhood Plan

The Farnham Neighbourhood Plan is a community-led plan that sets out a vision for the future of Farnham. The report pack stated that the plan was adopted in 2017, and that it is currently being reviewed.