Delivering change in Horley town centre

The refurbishment of the subway between the High Street and Station Approach is essential to make the subway easier to use for pedestrians, cyclists and people with disabilities by creating a safe, well-lit and more welcoming space, improve the condition of the structure and address drainage and flooding issues.

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council and Surrey County Council are working with Network Rail to deliver the refurbishment of the subway.

The first phase of refurbishment works, were completed in 2025 by Network Rail and includes new pumps and drainage to manage the water level, and a partial replacement of the deck above the subway.

The second phase of the work will be to refurbish the subway and will include structural work to the wing walls at the High Street entrance, improved lighting, redecoration, footway improvements and public art (see below). 

Access, the ramp and new steps

We are looking to improve the subway entrance to allow more light in and improve the ambience of the subway. The gradient of the ramp will have to remain the same, but we are looking at how we can improve the accessibility of the subway by introducing better lighting, non-slip surfaces, resting points and handrails. The subway will therefore remain accessible, and will hopefully be even more so, to all pedestrians, including those with pushchairs, people with disabilities and cyclists.   

Earlier designs for the subway refurbishment included new steps at the High Street entrance to the subway. Unfortunately, due to existing drainage structures behind the subway wing walls, these have been removed from the design proposals.

The subway is currently used by both cyclists and pedestrians. Due to the narrow width, it is not safe for pedestrians to use the subway if cyclists remain on their bikes. This is why there is signage to ask cyclists to dismount. The subway is currently a major route for pedestrians (school children and parents) accessing Oakwood School and the conflict with cyclists will need to be managed.

Horley subway art scheme proposal

Following local engagement and a creative workshop with young people at the YMCA Family Centre, the commissioned artists, Acrylicise, have developed a series of artwork designs for installation on the subway walls.

Artwork design example for Charles Dagnall & Co. Brewery

View the designs on the Horley subway art scheme proposal webpage.