Haslemere Parish has successfully raised more than £2 million towards the £2.15 million required to transform the old school building next to St Bartholomew's Church into a much-needed Community Hub.

Contributions include £100,000 from Haslemere Town Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy Fund and an incredible £175,000 in pledges from parishioners. These have been added to the £1 million grant from Your Fund Surrey and £400,000 from Waverley Borough Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy.

Rev Chris Bessant, Rector of Haslemere Parish, said: “I am absolutely delighted by this news. The Hub is at the centre of the community and its transformation will provide a home for much needed services and community activities.”

The Link Community Hub will see the building next to St Bart’s Church converted into a space designed to meet the diverse needs of Haslemere’s residents. The project will provide three counselling rooms and a central meeting room, offering purpose-built facilities for Crossways Counselling and Citizens Advice Waverley.

"We are thrilled and excited by the great news,” said David Wilbraham, Chair of Crossways Counselling. “The Hub will multiply the opportunities to serve our community.”

Debbie Peet, a member of the project team said: “We are immensely thankful for the support we received from the local community and their willingness to contribute insights, ideas and respond to formal consultations during the application processes.”

The ground floor will feature a meeting room, kitchen, and office space for volunteers. The Hub will be fully accessible, with lift access and energy-efficient features such as insulation and hidden solar panels. A new, welcoming entrance will open onto Derby Road.

With funding on track, the Hub is expected to open in late 2025. Those interested in supporting the project can contact Project Leader Andrew Culshaw at [email protected]. Further information is available at www.haslemereparish.org/link