New-Look Guildford Institute Is Now Truly Open To All

Published on: 19 Sep, 2013
Updated on: 19 Sep, 2013

Almost exactly two years after starting to raise the money needed to install a lift, the Guildford Institute is proud to announce the opening of its newly refurbished building.

Guildford Institute chairman Mike Adams and trustees Margaret Jack and Lesley Scordellis of the fundraising committee using the lift.

Not only is the new lift now operational, but visitors to the institute will find a new entrance leading to a whole new circulation core including a new staircase, reception area and staff office.

Although the new entrance is still in Ward Street, the similarity ends there. Did you know the institute has a library? Now everyone walking through the new foyer to the lift and stairs will see this hidden gem, which also now benefits from a staircase and ‘dumb waiter’ goods lift connecting it to the local history archive below.

Those who remember the institute as somewhere dark and dingy will be amazed by the light streaming into the building through the glass wall surrounding the new staircase. With the addition of new toilets, including one which is fully accessible, the institute is at last truly open to all – not just those who participate in the institute’s activities, but also anyone who needs to hire a meeting room in the town centre.

A new staircase is part of the redevelopment.

Institute trustee Margaret Jack, who led the fundraising campaign, said: “None of this would have been possible without the support of all our donors and a great deal of hard work by everyone concerned.

“I would like to thank SITA Trust, Biffa Award, SCC Community Improvements Fund, the Garfield Weston Foundation, GBC Community and Youth Grants, and the Big Lottery Fund Awards for All, as well as all the individual supporters of the institute who gave so generously.

“We have raised £320,000 to date but we still need more to enable us to bring the whole building up to this new high standard.”

Anyone who would like to see the new-look Guildford Institute is invited to visit during normal opening hours, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm.

For further information and room hire enquiries contact manager Trish Noakes, The Guildford Institute, Ward Street, Guildford GU1 4LH. Tel: 01483 562142 or email info@guildford-institute.org.uk