Nestled in the stunning Surrey Hills, there is no doubt that Haslemere is a high cost area. But not everyone living in Haslemere is wealthy. 

Haslemere Parish recognises this and is seeking to create a community space that is accessible and affordable for everyone – no matter what their needs. 

But the parish needs your help to make this dream community project a reality. Thanks to an already huge amount of support, the Link Community Hub is now in the final stages of its £1 million grant application from YourFundSurrey. 

This grant will provide almost half of the £2.2m funds the parish needs to transform this underutilised space into something that can service the “unmet needs” of the community.

In an appeal on Facebook, the parish is asking the people in and around Haslemere to once again come to their aid and get the Link the funding it deserves. But there is only 20 days left to show your support and have your say.

The Link has been serving the community for more than 200 years – but the space is no longer fit for purpose. 

Built in the 1830s, the school was converted into a community hall in the 1970s, and hasn’t been updated for the last 50 years. It is currently under-utilised, with fireplaces in the centre of the main room meaning it cannot meet the existing, let alone future, needs of the Haslemere community.

Haslemere Parish owns the building, and after conducting research across the town it has identified many un-met needs, in all age groups, which it believes an improved Link building could address. The parish has developed and costed a plan for a significantly expanded and refurbished building – The Link Community Hub. 

Andrew Colshaw, project leader for the hub, said: “This is a unique building that the east of Haslemere really needs. 

“Currently there is nowhere for people to hire out for a wake or party, but if we get the funding the Link will be an affordable, accessible place for everyone.”

Mr Colshaw added: “The Link building has been a community building for the last 200 years. It has always been for the community and it always will be.”

Haslemere Parish is not-for-profit and it has confirmed that two charities, Citizens Advice and Crossways counselling, have said how vital this space would be – allowing them to expand their services for the growing community of Haslemere. 

These plans have been under way since 2022 but now the parish needs the public’s help to make them happen. The Link is in the final stage of securing a £1 million grant from YourFundSurrey. 

It can only receive this grant if there is a huge amount of public support, so click here to have your say. 

If it secures the funding, the completion date for The Link Community Hub is set for the latter half of 2025.