Dorking Halls temporary closure will cost £584k in lost revenue

Described as one of Surrey’s “largest and most comprehensive arts and performance” spaces, Dorking Halls is expected to shut from April to December 2026 as it continues its near £10m upgrade.

The centre closed last year as part of £6.1m works to replace the ceiling in its grand hall, and ladies toilets.

A large amount of lead paint was found throughout the site, contributing to an extra £3.34m needed to complete the second stage of the project.

Mole Valley District Council’s executive committee agreed on September 23, 2025, to recommend the spending – which is expected to be ratified by the full council next month.

It also recommended a “one-off unavoidable growth of £584,000… within the revenue budget for 2026/27, to be funded from reserves, to accommodate the net revenue impact of Dorking Halls being closed from mid-April to December 2026.”

Councillor Nick Wright, cabinet member for leisure and community assets told the meeting the project dates back to 2022 when the initial cost estimates came out.

The first phase, he said was largely concerned with replacing the ceiling in the grand hall and ladies toilets with the “big item” being the replacement of the ceiling which incurred unexpected costs to do with lead paint.

The second stage of the project will replace mechanical and electric works, replacing the air handling, heating, cooling and significant degree of decarbonisation.

Just as importantly, he added, there will be major works on the stage equipment.

He said the new money was needed to cover the added costs of phase one, as well as the “consequential impacts of the revenue budget due to the closure and loss of income”.

He said: “It will have a significant impact, and will prepare Dorking Halls for the next phase of its very long life which dates back to the 1930s and we have every intention of making sure that these halls are fit for purpose going forward for the next 20 or 30 years, who knows longer.”

Given the size of the spend, final say on whether the plans go ahead will be determined by the full council on October 13.

Cllr Claire Malcomson (Liberal Democrats,Holmwoods and Beare Green) said: “It’s exciting about the stage engineering because we will be able to bring in bigger shows because Dorking Halls is exceptional in this area.”

Cllr Matthews (Liberal Democrat: Bookham East and Eastwick Park) said: “Obviously there is a lot of concern over the amount of money we are putting into Dorking Halls however I think this is a really good investment.

“We have a lot of people come here to see shows, we have a nighttime economy that is supported by this attraction.

“If we don’t invest in the centre now, it could end up falling into disrepair later and we could see far worse costs in the future.

“It is important we do not skimp, we do not cut corners, we do this properly and we ensure it for the future.”

Cabinet acknowledged the impact the Halls’ closure would have on the wider Dorking economy and said it would be working with local business groups while the work was going on but said its planned closure would ensure its long-term viability and protect the much loved community asset.