Youth centre work starts after seven-year wait

Construction work has begun on a new community centre in Surrey which will be a "safe, inclusive hub", its operators say.

Surrey County Council initially proposed building a new centre in Lower Road recreation ground in Bookham in 2021 to replace an old building which fell into disrepair and closed in 2019.

A council spokesperson now says that the club, which will be run by the Bookham Youth and Community Association, is expected to be completed in early 2027.

Council leader Tim Oliver said the centre would be "a safe and inspiring environment for young people, a place for families, clubs and local groups to gather, and a hub where older residents can remain active and socially connected".

David Cox, chair of the youth and community association, added: "The original youth club thrived and the young people of Bookham and surrounding areas felt they had their 'own place'.

"Building on this success, the new Youth and Community Centre will provide a safe, inclusive hub for local young people to reach their full potential and will also support Bookham Colts under 9s football teams."

A council spokesperson said the £2.8m scheme had "not come without challenges" after initial plans had to be revised when changes to planning regulations made them unviable.

The new facility replaces the former youth centre The Bridge in Leatherhead - which closed after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) was found in the roof - and the Bookham Family Centre.

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