Dorking Halls Refurbishment Plans Criticised

Published on: 7 Jan, 2026
Updated on: 8 Jan, 2026

Dorking Halls (image Google)

By Chris Caulfield

local democracy reporter

Dorking Halls’ latest refurbishment plans have been labelled as “something of an eyesore”.

Mole Valley District Council planning committee is expected to pass a bid to install new air handling units as well as an external buffer tank together with a heat recovery system on the roof of the near 100-year-old land mark.

There will also be a host of amendments and repairs to the building including increasing the height of central parapet.

However, it’s the new air ducts that have drawn the ire of Surrey County Council’s Heritage Officer.

He wrote: “I raised concern about the previous …. scheme for this site on the basis that the units would have quite a severe impact on the Art Deco character of the principal elevation. The revised scheme is an improvement, but nonetheless will still result in quite large units being prominently sited on the building.”

The officers added: “Overall, I still consider there is harm from the scheme. The applicant has provided a helpful statement explaining the need for this impact, but nonetheless I consider the units to represent something of an eyesore. All options should be explored first before agreeing to the ductwork in this location.”

Dorking Halls will close in April through until December to allow the next stage of its refurbishment work to continue.

The Halls, which the council has said play a vital role in the district’s economy, typically attracts about 180,000 visitors a year.

The huge project has faced spiralling budgets with an additional £3.34 million approved for maintenance work on top of the originally agreed £11.2 million.

The extra cost has led to criticism over how the project has been managed with opposition councillors labelling it a black hole.

Dorking Halls has primarily been used as a music venue since opening in 1931.

It now acts as a leisure facility providing a range activities and events such as theatre and cinema.

Granting permission for the work would allow the site to continue operating and, the council said, bring about social and economic benefits that are balanced against the environmental and visual harm.

A decision on whether to approve the new air handling units and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery will be made at Mole Valley District Council’s development management committee on Wednesday, January 7.