Farnham Maltings to receive second financial boost from Lib Dems at Waverley (South West Surrey Liberal Democrats)

South West Surrey Liberal Democrats <info@swsurreylibdems.org.uk>

Farnham Maltings to receive second financial boost from Lib Dems at Waverley

April 5, 2006 12:45 PM

Farnham Maltings is set to benefit from a second phase of improvements following a grant from Waverley Borough Council.

In addition to the initial £306,000 provided by Waverley towards the first stage of refurbishments and development of the south wing, Waverley's Executive Committee has approved a recommendation that the council supports a second grant of over £230,000 to enable further improvements to be carried out.

This new round of funding will enable the Maltings to improve the quality of services and several of the heritage features of the building. The roof of the south wing, as well as doors and windows, are to be restored. The interior of the south wing will be enhanced with a new studio, toilets, and dressing rooms. There will be improved wheelchair access from the south-west kiln stairway and brickwork that is worn and out of character with the rest of the building will also be replaced.

Waverley's Lib Dem councillor for leisure, culture and tourism, Councillor Byron Grainger-Jones comments: "As a council, Waverley is committed to enhancing the quality of life in the local community. One of the ways in which we are doing this is to support the development of arts facilities. The Maltings has made many significant improvements to its already excellent services and facilities in the past year and this new funding will help to ensure that Farnham continues to be a place where arts can thrive."

Waverley Borough Council's contribution will make up one-third of the total costs of refurbishment, although it is conditional on the remainder being met by the Heritage Lottery Fund and other sources.