Plans to transform a Surrey council's head office into 400 homes will be further explored, with more funding approved. Elmbridge Borough Council has earmarked its Civic Centre site as a location for hundreds of homes to help meet demand in the borough. Although the plans are still in the early stages, work can now continue into how to make the most of the site in Esher High Street.
The council included the civic centre in in its draft plan, which sets out where homes will be built, for 2030. A council spokesperson said: “Delivering much needed housing is a priority for Elmbridge Borough Council and the requirement for both town centre and affordable homes that meet local demands will also be considered as part of the future of the Civic Centre.” Read more: "Iconic" Surrey Hills area of outstanding natural beauty could be about to get bigger Read more: Life in the 'up and coming' Surrey town where 'everyone waves and says hello' The council has said the Civic Centre needs to be “more accessible and integrated” to contribute to the “vitality” of the High Street, with Esher as the “civic heart” of Elmbridge.
Not only the council’s offices, the Civic Centre is also home to Surrey Police , Elmbridge Citizens Advice and two private companies renting space. Esher Bowls Club, which is accessed via the civic centre car park, is also a key stakeholder in considerations of the building’s future. These groups will be updated in regular meetings on the plans.
The counc.