At its meeting last month, Mole Valley District Council’s Cabinet approved Phase 2 of the refurbishment programme for Dorking Halls, allocating £6.1 million for essential upgrades to the Grand Hall’s mechanical and electrical systems, technical staging infrastructure, and energy efficiency improvements.
However, following detailed RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Stage 4 design development, the authority says it has become clear that delivering the original scope will require a longer works programme and incur higher costs.
The council says this is due to rising material prices and market rates over the past year.
Additionally, anticipated grant funding through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme is no longer available.
As a result, MVDC is recommending to Full Council an additional £3.34 million to enable the works to proceed in 2026/2027.
Councillor Nick Wright, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Community Assets said: ‘Dorking Halls is arguably the largest and most comprehensive Arts and Performance venue in eastern Surrey, with its large staged Grand Hall, two flexible cinema spaces, meeting rooms and a lively bar and café. It is central to our community and is key to the local economy. Dorking Halls plays a vital cultural role in the district, with a busy programme of shows, concerts and films, as well as hosting youth theatre, school productions, live screenings, and community events. It also provides employment opportunities, particularly for young people entering the hospitality sector. This investment will ensure the Halls continue to serve residents and visitors with high-quality cultural experiences for many years to come, while also helping MVDC to meet its carbon reduction goals.
‘Key improvements planned in 2026/2027 include replacing outdated mechanical and electrical systems such as air handling units and chillers, installing solar panels and heat recovery systems to cut carbon emissions by up to 75 tonnes annually, and upgrading the Grand Hall’s stage grid and lighting equipment to meet modern safety and performance standards.
The proposed works will be scheduled to minimise disruption, with the venue expected to close temporarily in 2026 from mid-April to early December.
