Construction has officially begun on Surrey County Council’s new youth and community centre in Bookham, following planning approval secured by Vail Williams and years of collaboration between project partners.
Surrey County Council Leader, Tim Oliver, project and community partners gathered recently to mark a significant milestone in the development of a new youth and community centre for Bookham, a project set to become a vibrant hub for young people and residents of all ages.
The first dig, marking the start of the construction phase of the new centre, reflects the dedication and collaboration of many partners, including Surrey County Council’s Land & Property team, CampbellReith, Beard Construction, Bookham Youth and Community Association (BYCA), and Vail Williams who secured planning permission for the project.
While progress has not come without challenges, the commitment to delivering for the community has remained steadfast. Initial plans proposed in 2021 for a new facility on the Lower Road recreation ground were revised following changes to planning regulations affecting green belt land, rendering the original scheme unviable.
These challenges were successfully overcome by Vail Williams’ planning advisers, enabling the Council to find a way forward.
James Williams, lead planning adviser at Vail Williams, commented: “We are delighted to have secured planning permission for this important scheme, which will deliver long-term benefits for the Bookham community. Through close collaboration with stakeholders, local residents and the planning authority, we were able to address key concerns, balance competing interests and secure a positive outcome.”
Darren Humphreys, Contracts Manager, Land & Property at Surrey County Council, added:
“Vail Williams quickly identified the key planning and stakeholder challenges that could have delayed the project. Their proactive engagement with healthcare stakeholders, local consultees and planning officers ensured we achieved the timescales set out within our Planning Performance Agreement, enabling the project to move forward.”
Tim Oliver, Leader of the Council said: “This new youth and community centre is designed to be far more than just a building. It will be a welcoming and inclusive space that strengthens community connections and supports wellbeing. The centre will provide a safe and inspiring environment for young people, a place for families, clubs and local groups to gather, and a hub where older residents can remain active and socially connected.”
With flexible indoor facilities alongside outdoor sports amenities, the centre will be leased to and run by Bookham Youth and Community Association. It will offer a safe space for young people and offer a wide range of opportunities for residents to be active, social, and engaged, all within their local area. Accessibility and inclusivity have been central to the design, ensuring the space is open and welcoming to everyone in the community.
David Cox, Chair of Bookham Youth and Community Association said: “The original youth club, delivered by the Leatherhead Youth Project with support from Bookhams’ Churches Together and BYCA, thrived and the young people of Bookham and surrounding areas felt they had their “own place”. Building on this success, the new Youth and Community Centre will provide a safe, inclusive hub for local young people to reach their full potential and will also support Bookham Colts under 9s football teams.
James Lacey, Head of Public Sector Property Services at Vail Williams, concluded: “Achieving planning permission for this scheme marks a significant milestone in delivering a vital new community asset for Bookham. We are pleased to have helped Surrey County Council overcome the planning challenges associated with the site and unlock a development that will support both existing and future residents.”
This development represents Surrey County Council’s long-term investment in Bookham’s future, fostering stronger relationships with local communities, improving health and wellbeing, and creating opportunities for generations to come. The youth and community centre building is expected to be completed in early 2027.
