SHOULD Farnham’s Brightwells regeneration scheme be shifted away from retail to include more community facilities such as a ‘Tate Farnham’ or a crafters’ market?

One Surrey county councillor certainly thinks so – and with the full impact of Covid-19 on the UK’s retail sector yet to be full realised, it may have to.

Addressing members at a behind-closed-doors meeting of Surrey County Council on Tuesday, Farnham Residents councillor for Farnham North, Stephen Spence, called for a rethink of Crest Nicholson’s council-backed development.

He said: “The Brightwells development in Farnham was argued against by a great many people over a very long time.

“However it has progressed – and now it has progressed, it has to work.

“Recent postponement of construction because of coronavirus makes it even more likely the original commercial basis of the project needs re-examination.

“The housing element is likely to succeed, but the retail element will require the benefit of Surrey’s ability to intervene as a result of our extensive investment in the development.

“A community vision needs to be developed.

“In addition to M&S Simply Food and Reel Cinema, the existing anchor tenants, what about, if not a Tate Farnham, a Watt’s Gallery Farnham, a shop front for the ornamental blacksmiths course at the University of the Creative Arts?

“Could the Farnham Maltings work with Reel to curate art house films?

“Could crafters and knitters have their own spaces selling quality, unique products, as they do in St Ives in Cornwall, along with coffee shops and restaurants?

“Is it too much to hope a theatre space could be found to recreate the spirit of the Redgrave?

“Surrey is perfectly placed to try to influence a direction that Farnham as a craft town could be proud of.

“With such attractions close to London, we could fill our hotels and guest houses with long weekenders visiting the castle, the museum, the existing centre around Lion and Lamb and the new vibrant, bohemian hub for artisans and independent eateries that could be Brightwells Yard.

“All we need is the imagination, and Surrey’s intervention, to make it happen.”

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It comes after Crest Nicholson confirmed its intention to resume work on its construction sites this week, including Brightwells, following “a detailed set of working practices and protocols”.