The leader of Surrey County Council has reflected on a year of “investment and achievement” around Farnham with the start of a huge project on the horizon.

Next month sees the beginning of the Farnham Infrastructure Project (FIP) with some of the town’s busiest roads set for a makeover.

But with all eyes on the future, Councillor Tim Oliver has been keen to reflect what the authority has achieved in Farnham over the last 12 months – and what’s coming up in the year ahead.

“The infrastructure programme we ran in partnership with Waverley Borough Council and Farnham Town Council has delivered improvements to the Water Lane toucan crossing and introduced a 20mph speed limit in Upper Hale Road,” wrote the leader for the Herald.

“This joins the growing list of improvements in the town including the HGV restrictions and the 20mph limit in the town town centre and Weydon lane.

Surrey County Council Tim Oliver
Council leader Tim Oliver speaking at the full council meeting on October 8. (Surrey County Council live stream)

“There’s also been the A325 reclassification, the A31 speed limit reduction, installation of wayfinding signs and improved visibility of the Wrecclesham bridge.”

But what about looking ahead? Especially with regards to the FIP and dare we say it – Brightwells Yard?

He added: “We’re due to start work on improving Farnham town centre in 2025 with Borelli and Riverside Walk improvements starting in January.

“The early phasing plan is now available to view on the Farnham town centre improvements website at www.surreycc.gov.uk/farnhamworks

Cllr Oliver continues: “The plan has a number of details on the early stages of the works, such as the ability to turn right out of Castle Street.

“You will be able to drive in both directions at the bottom of Downing Street to the Waggon Yard car park as these changes are important to help keep Farnham moving during the works.

This image was part of the public consultation
(Farnham Infrastructure Programme)

“Some of the more disruptive works, such as the closure of Downing Street, are not expected until later in 2025.

“Details will be updated as works progress, and information will be sent in advance to residents and businesses directly impacted by each phase.

“There is also a link on the website where you can sign up for the town centre works e-newsletter, so you can get regular updates sent directly to your email inbox.”

Cllr Oliver also lauded the recent practical completion of the Brightwells Yard project, which he says “marks another investment from SCC into Farnham”.

He said: “It’s also seen the return of a cinema to the town when the Reel cinema opened in February.

“We have also opened the Brightwells Yard car park and for the duration of the festive period it will be available to use free of charge.”

The council has also opened several “warm welcome venues” around Waverley to provide shelter, warmth and comfort during the winter months.

Locations include Hale Community Centre, Farnham and Haslemere libraries and Haslewey Community Centre with opening times at www.surreycc.gov.uk/warmwelcome

Finally, Cllr Oliver signed up by wishing all our readers a Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.