£98,894.84 of Community Infrastructure Levy funding awarded to improve an important community space in Dorking
Hello Dorking is delighted to announce that it has secured £98,894.84 in Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding from Mole Valley District Council to deliver significant improvements to South Street Gardens, creating a more welcoming, attractive and accessible space for residents, visitors and businesses alike.
The funding will support a programme of enhancements designed to revitalise this important public space in the heart of Dorking. Planned improvements include:
- Relaying and repairing sections of paving.
- Installing new heritage safety railings on the upper level created by a local craftsman.
- Providing new benches and litter bin.
- Installing new interpretation boards celebrating the area’s unique history, including the famous Dorking Caves and Dorking Bandstand.
- Refurbishing the exterior of the public toilet building.
The project represents another example of Hello Dorking working in partnership to secure investment that benefits the whole town. Wherever possible, local contractors and suppliers will be used to deliver the works, helping to ensure the funding also supports the local economy.
The project will be managed by Ed Marsh or Marsh FPD, who has been instrumental in developing the proposals and will oversee delivery on behalf of Hello Dorking.
Jo McGowan of Hello Dorking, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to have secured this funding. South Street Gardens is an important community space with huge potential, and these improvements will make it safer, more welcoming and more attractive for everyone who lives, works and visits Dorking.
This investment demonstrates what can be achieved through partnership working and our commitment to bringing additional funding into the town. Every pound we secure helps us deliver projects that benefit businesses, residents and visitors alike.”
This latest award means Hello Dorking has now secured around £125,000 of external grant funding since October 2024, enabling the organisation to deliver projects that would not otherwise have been possible while providing additional value for the businesses that fund the Business Improvement District.
Work is expected to commence following the completion of the necessary planning and procurement processes, with further updates shared as the project progresses.
