Page contents
- Town centre improvement works
- About the programme
- Borelli/Riverside Cycle Improvement Scheme
- Programme background
Town centre improvement works
To find out more about the Farnham town centre improvements, visit the project webpage or dedicated frequently asked questions page.
About the programme
What is the Farnham Infrastructure Programme?
The Farnham Infrastructure Programme (FIP) was formed in 2019 when Surrey County Council, Waverley Borough Council, Farnham Town Council and Jeremy Hunt MP committed to work together to tackle the town's air quality and congestion issues. In the 2024 general election, Greg Stafford became the town's MP, and therefore became a programme partner.
The FIP is a 15-year programme that aims to deliver attractive, well-integrated, future focused and high-quality infrastructure for Farnham. The vision is to enable a more connected and vibrant town where people choose to live, work, study and spend their leisure time in more sustainable ways.
What are the overarching plans of the FIP?
A Vision Statement was adopted in 2020, following a public consultation. An Optimised Infrastructure Plan (OIP) was adopted in 2021, also following a public consultation.
Visit the Farnham Infrastructure Programme key documents page to read the Vision Statement and OIP.
What has been delivered so far?
Visit the Farnham Infrastructure Programme achievements page.
What are the timescales for the programme?
The full programme is expected to take around 15 years.
How is the programme being funded?
Some of the funding for the programme will come from the three partner councils, and from developers via the community infrastructure levy (CIL) and neighbourhood CIL. However, it is expected that some funding will come from central government – such as the Department for Transport.
To secure the necessary funding, the programme is working to gather the necessary evidence to produce business cases. This includes demonstrating the required level of local engagement and support.
What is the decision-making power of the Farnham Board?
The Farnham Board includes councillors from Farnham Town Council, Waverley Borough Council and Surrey County Council, as well as Greg Stafford MP. The board is responsible for governing the programme and overseeing the development of potential schemes for Farnham. However, any proposals agreed at the board will need to go back to the relevant council for final agreement.
Borelli/Riverside Cycle Improvement Scheme
What is the Borelli/Riverside Cycle Improvement Scheme?
The walking and cycling improvements will upgrade the existing footpath between South Street and the Riverside car parks for pedestrians and cyclists. The scheme will involve widening and resurfacing the existing footpath as well as landscaping and new lighting.
This project is a priority east/west link in the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) which we are delivering early.
The improved walk will be a hard surface for accessibility and the ease of use by a range of users, including wheelchair users, buggies, cyclists, and scooters.
This scheme aims to support residents to shift to more sustainable and active ways of travel. Additionally, the scheme aspires to reduce pressures on the town centre carparks by encouraging more people to park at the Riverside carparks when visiting the town centre.
Who is funding the scheme?
Funding for the improvement scheme will come from Surrey County Council, with contributions from developers through Section 106 agreements.
When will the construction start?
The construction is planned to start early 2025 should last for approximately four weeks for constructing Riverside Walk (northern section), from Riverside 2 car park to the Borelli Walk Footbridge.
The Borelli Walk (southern section), from Brightwells Yard to South Street, is planned to be delivered by the Brightwells Yard developer in spring 2025 while they are already mobilised in the area.
Will existing footpaths be closed during the construction period?
As part of the construction works, there will be a temporary closure of the existing public footpaths (FP171 and FP301). Appropriate diversion routes will be in place to limit disruption to users.
Details of any impacts will be published on our website. Advanced warning signs will also be displayed at key locations as well as diversion routes during construction.
Will any car parks be disrupted or closed during the construction period?
The construction compound will be located in the Riverside car park and therefore there will be a minor reduction in the number of parking spaces. Advanced notices and clear signs will be in place so that car park users are fully informed of any possible changes.
Is there a plan to provide cycle lanes in the town centre as well?
The historic nature of Farnham's town centre is characterised by some narrow roads, so it is not always possible to provide cycle lanes segregated from traffic for people who wish to cycle through the centre. However, the proposed town centre improvements will help to make the town centre roads safer for cyclists such as advanced stop lines, alongside the reclassification of the A325, heavy goods vehicle (HGV) restrictions and 20mph speed limits. There will also be more cycle stands.
Programme background
Have previous transport studies been considered?
The programme is building upon previous studies of Farnham and the A31 Corridor. However, these studies must be considered in the context of emerging policy and strategy from local, borough, county and central government, which address the present challenges relating to place, climate and transport.
In 2022, SCC adopted the Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4) which gives more priority to pedestrians, cyclists and users of public transport over the private car. The key objectives include to prioritise walking, cycling and use public transport and to reduce airborne pollution by promoting a shift in journey choice.
Community suggestions for the future of Farnham, including feedback from members of the public, is also being considered to ensure the programme addresses the current needs of the town.
How were the projects agreed?
The programme team consulted with key stakeholders, which included local councillors, during the early stages of the programme. This helped to create a Vision Statement for the programme. This was consulted on between October and November 2020 and found broad support for the document among respondents.
The vision proposed four projects:
- Short and medium-term improvements
- Farnham town centre improvements
- Farnham A31 Corridor
- Wrecclesham and Western Bypasses
However, the programme remains flexible so it can adapt to the needs of the town. Engagement with the public regarding the project proposals will be maintained throughout the programme.
Visit the Farnham Infrastructure Programme key documents page to read the Vision Statement.
How has the programme been secured to ensure that it will withstand changes over the next 15 years?
The FIP is overseen by the Farnham Board, which has support from Waverley Borough Council, Farnham Town Council and Surrey County Council. Members of the board have changed over the programme lifetime, however any changes to the programme will need to be agreed by the board members.
How is the climate emergency being considered as part of the OIP?
Responding to the climate emergency is a key theme of the OIP. Any proposals for Farnham will support the Climate Change Strategies of the partners.
Read the climate strategies for:
The programme will contribute to the delivery of the roadmap to net-zero carbon as set out by Waverley Borough Council and Farnham Town Council , will include mitigation of carbon. It will also protect existing biodiversity and related habitats surrounding Farnham and work to actively enhance them within the town.
How will the changes impact on businesses in Farnham?
The aim of the programme's vision is to enable Farnham to become 'a connected and vibrant town, where people choose to live, work, study and spend their leisure time in sustainable ways'. Reducing traffic and congestion will encourage more people to shop and spend time in the town centre. The vision aims to consider the needs of local businesses and increase levels of local employment.
Will Farnham's historic nature be preserved through the programme?
Yes, preserving and highlighting the town's historic nature is an integral part of the programme. Any changes will use appropriate building materials and consider key architectural details.
How will the floodplains be impacted?
It is known that areas of Farnham are subject to significant flood risks. The programme will consider any environmental impacts of the proposals with the appropriate level of environmental assessment and appraisal.
Is Upper Hale being considered as part of the FIP?
Yes, Upper Hale, and the impact of any proposals on the area, are being considered as part of the programme. A Local Liaison Forum focusing on Upper Hale was held in January 2021. You can watch previous meetings on the Farnham Town Council website. A new 20mph zone has recently been created in Upper Hale.
