New strategic direction for council-owned buildings approved

On Tuesday 14 July at a meeting of the Strategy & Resources Committee, our councillors approved a new strategic direction for council-owned community assets in Epsom & Ewell, comprising Bourne Hall, including the Bourne Hall Museum, Epsom Playhouse and the Community & Wellbeing Centre; and agreed a capital budget to support long-term investment and operational ‘quick wins’ at each place, as outlined in a recent Community Asset Review undertaken by the council.

The review, which supports one of our strategic priorities, was carried out as part of the council’s statutory obligation to achieve Best Value and make best use of its assets. It seeks to put the council’s key community assets in the strongest position possible as EEBC moves towards becoming part of the new East Surrey Council, which will come into being on 1 April 2027.

The recommendations are that:

• Bourne Hall is developed into an integrated civic and cultural hub, improving connectivity between the library, museum, café, events and community functions
• Epsom Playhouse and the Community & Wellbeing Centre move towards new operating models
• the Committee also approved the recommendation of the Community and Wellbeing Committee for an initial investment of £125,000 in this financial year for Bourne Hall Museum and approved £125,000 for a further investment in year two that will be built into a future business case for the wider Bourne Hall.

To deliver the priorities identified in the review, Councillors recommended capital investment and additional budget to develop a detailed business plan, which will be returned to the Strategy and Resources Committee for approval.

Councillor Neil Dallen, Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee, said:

“Bourne Hall including Bourne Hall Museum, Epsom Playhouse and the Community & Wellbeing Centre are much-loved community spaces that bring people together, support wellbeing and enrich local life. These proposals aim to make the most of these assets over the long term, ensuring they continue to thrive and serve residents well into the future.

“As local government reorganisation progresses and Epsom & Ewell Borough Council becomes part of the new East Surrey Council, it is important that these valued community assets are in the strongest possible position for future generations.”

Budgeted spend above a certain threshold must also be approved by the shadow East Surrey Council in line with Section 24, a statutory direction now in place that means councils in Surrey must get approval from the relevant East or West Shadow Executive for certain financial commitments.