Work to stop a “nationally important” Grade I listed building from decaying away and being lost forever has finally been agreed in a million pound plus deal.

Waverley Borough Council (WBC) signed off plans to restore the home of the Museum of Farnham, Willmer House, after agreeing to cover the £300,000 funding gap.

The authority had been successful in lining up grants, most notably from the Arts Council and the National Lottery.

The final projected bill is expected to be £1,286,713.74.  With outside bodies covering £985,000, WBC has said it would fill the £301,000 void while it looks for new grants.

Farnham Town Council and Farnham Museum Society have said they would commit £10,000 each to the project as well. The museum is considered one of Surrey’s most important buildings, retaining many of its original features.

However, it has fallen into disrepair and its problems include decaying brickwork, collapsing second floor windows, and eroded mortar joints. There is, the council said, “extensive decay” throughout and visible cracking. 

Councillor Kika Mirylees told the September 4 executive committee that appointing contractors came after a “detailed and exhaustive” search with heritage experts to ensure “quality of service was uppermost in their minds”.

The age and height of the building meant that not all parts of the upper floors and roofing could be accessed and there is the potential for added work. The result is that the council has ring-fenced a further £237,000 to cover any unforeseen work.

Cllr Liz Townsend, portfolio holder for planning said: “There is distorted brickwork in the building requiring a detailed brick by brick plan of action.

“It’s really important that we secure its future, so that it can continue to serve the community for many years to come.”