Views sought on improvements to Horley High Street and subway to better meet local needs

The consultation forms part of a project to help the town centre better serve local people and boost the local economy.

Improvements being considered for the High Street aim to enhance its look and feel, make it safer and easier to use, improve how pedestrians and cyclists flow around the town and contribute to the health and wellbeing of the local community. They include:

• safer crossings and creating wider pavements by removing street parking
• safer cycle routes and cycle parking facilities to promote walking and cycling
• reducing traffic and introducing a 20mph speed limit
• seating that is better located to offer resting places, and spaces where people can meet and hold events
• new street planting and trees to enhance the street scene, give shade, encourage biodiversity and mitigate the effects of climate change
• signage to help people find their way around the town centre and public art to create a more pleasant environment.

Refurbishing Horley subway would improve accessibility and create a safer, well-lit and more welcoming space. It will also improve the condition of the structure, which was built in 1905, and address drainage issues. The plans are to:

• install a new drainage and water pumping system to prevent the subway flooding
• install grab rails and non-slip surfacing, and reduce the slope of the ramp by extending it
• open out the entrances to make it more attractive, easy to navigate and feel safer
• make it a safer and more pleasant environment, such as with mirrors, lighting, murals, mosaic or art
• introduce planting to create a more pedestrian friendly environment.

Cllr Richard Biggs, Executive Member for Planning Policy and Place Delivery, said: “Businesses and communities have been hit hard by Covid-19 and the changing ways people shop and use their town centres. High streets of the future need to consider the health and wellbeing of the community as well as their economies. We want to invest in Horley town centre so it meets future needs, better suits those that use it, and in turn boosts confidence in the town.

“To help with this, we are considering how we might improve the High Street and subway and would like to hear what residents, shoppers and businesses think before we move forward. People may have recently seen or taken part in work by Surrey County Council to revisit the vision for Horley town centre and identify potential projects to improve it. This builds on that work, taking a more detailed look at how people use the High Street and subway, how they would like to see them improved and asking for their views on our ideas, so please have your say.

“I hope the local community will welcome these proposals to create more welcoming, safer spaces, benefitting both residents and local businesses.”

The proposals form part of Reigate & Banstead Borough Council’s ‘Delivering Change in Horley Town Centre’ programme, to deliver projects which aim to encourage visitors and investment. It is supported by Surrey County Council, Horley Town Council and Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership.

Cllr Samantha Marshall, Town Mayor and Council Chairman, on behalf of Horley Town Council, said: “The Town Council is delighted to hear that these proposals for the Horley High Street public realm and subway improvements have now reached the consultation stage and this is a real positive way forward in redeveloping the town centre. We are confident that such major regeneration will have a massive impact to build economic growth and prosperity, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic and will undoubtedly kick-start a new vibrancy into our town as a unique place to live, work and socialise as well as set the pace in urban planning renewal and design as these revitalisation projects are delivered.”

• Find out more about the proposals and take part in the survey. The consultation runs until Monday 14 March.

A display will also be available to view at Horley Library and there will be opportunities to ‘meet the team’ and find out more in Horley precinct on:

• Thursday 24 February from 12 noon to 4.30pm
• Thursday 3 March from 10.30am-2.30pm.

Residents without internet access can pick up a paper copy of the survey from Horley Library, or request one to be sent to them by contacting 01737 276719.

The results from this survey will inform the development of designs, with a view to consulting again later in the spring. The Borough Council will also consider feedback from the recent ‘thinkingplace’ engagement on behalf of Surrey County Council, the Borough Council and Horley Town Council.

For more information visit the Delivering Change in Horley town centre Horley High Street and subway consultation page.