People who live, visit, study or travel in Farnham are all encouraged to engage in a major consultation which is proposing substantial changes to the town centre.
The Farnham Infrastructure Programme, which is made up of Surrey County Council, Waverley Borough Council, Farnham Town Council and Jeremy Hunt MP, has been looking for ways to improve the town, including making it more attractive for shoppers, reducing congestion and improving air quality.
The proposals include:
- Castle Street and Downing Street improvements
- This proposal would formalise the temporary pavement widening on both roads to create an improved environment for shoppers, with space for outdoor dining and retailers’ deliveries alongside new cycle parking, trees and planting.
- Changing the traffic flow direction, and widening pavements on The Borough, Castle Street and Downing Street
- This proposal would formalise the temporary pavement widening on both roads to create an improved environment for shoppers, with space for outdoor dining and retailers’ deliveries alongside new cycle parking, trees and planting.
This proposal would widen pavements and provide new and improved crossings around the town centre for pedestrians, alongside space for cycle parking and retailers’ deliveries, and new trees and planting. It will also change the traffic flow, so some roads that are currently one-way would become two-way. This would prevent vehicles having to circle unnecessarily around the town.
There will also be the opportunity to express your views on ways to improve the A31 corridor – with options for the Coxbridge Roundabout, Hickley’s Corner and the Shepherd and Flock Roundabout.
Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council, said: “The proposals show viable ways that we can make sympathetic improvements to the historic Farnham town centre and make it a much more pleasant experience for shoppers. Please do make sure you have your say as nothing can happen without the support of people in the town.
“The proposals also keep the option of pedestrianisation open for the future, but key to making this happen is seeing more people walking, cycling or using public transport to get around the town.”
Paul Follows, Leader of Waverley Borough Council, said “The work of the Farnham Infrastructure Programme has already improved traffic congestion and air quality in the town and we are really pleased to share the latest proposals aimed at helping people walk, cycle and shop safely.
“But we need to hear from local residents about how they use roads, pedestrian areas and local amenities in the town centre, so please get involved with the consultation, tell us what you think and help us make Farnham an even better place to live, work and visit.”
David Beaman, Joint Leader of Farnham Town Council, said: “The FIP presents a once in a lifetime opportunity to resolve the traffic and associated air quality problems in Farnham and needs to be taken full advantage of.”
Jeremy Hunt MP said: “This project is a big deal for Farnham and the people who live, work, study and visit the town – it’s been a long time in the making and of course there is a long way to go, but I encourage residents and visitors to participate. Now is the chance for you to have your say and make your views known – please get involved.”
Consultation exhibition
Exhibitions have been taking place to give people the opportunity to put questions to the programme team.
The next exhibition is Thursday 21 July 3.45-6.45pm at Farnham Leisure Centre, Dogflud Way, GU9 7UD.
Ways to have your say
To see the detailed proposals for the town centre and to have your say, please visit www.bit.ly/farnhaminfrastructure. Printed documents and questionnaires are available from Farnham Town Council, either from the Town Hall in South Street or by calling 01252 712667.
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