Dorking Halls refurbishment to continue in 2025

The venue is due to reopen for the Christmas season in December

Councillors have approved plans to continue refurbishing a Surrey theatre in 2025.

Dorking Halls closed in June 2024 so it could have its 1930s plaster ceiling replaced during the summer.

That work was extended when it was discovered the original paint contained lead.

The venue is due to reopen for the Christmas season in December, with next summer seeing critical mechanical and electrical systems being replaced.

On Tuesday members of Mole Valley District Council voted through the £6.1m necessary to carry out the work planned for summer 2025.

There will be repairs to the roof and the installation of environmentally friendly heat pumps and solar panels.

The money will be found through internal borrowing, although the energy efficiency improvements could attract some grants.

Nick Wright, cabinet member for leisure and tourism, said: “This beautiful art-deco building, which has served us for so many years, has reached a point where significant investment is needed to continue its community mission.

"I’m pleased that the proposed budget has been approved by Cabinet, and the important upgrades to the building can continue to move forward."

Cinema screenings are due to resume on 9 December, with the panto Sleeping Beauty starting on 20 December.

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