This project consists of improvements to roads and pavements in Farnham town centre. The project will be complementary to a Local Cycling, Walking and Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), and will consider:
- Improvements to the quality of public areas within Farnham town centre
- Improvements to support increased walking and cycling
- Improvements to public transport, including buses, and connections to key transport hubs
- Reducing the dominance of motorised traffic, which contributes to poor air quality, noise pollution and congestion, by major changes to the town centre layout and better management of town centre car parking
Town centre
The town centre is the historic heart of Farnham. It has a dynamic economy with high quality retail, food and drink venues, and a unique heritage with the castle, conservation area, deer park and Craft Town status.
However, its road layout is outdated and congested. The dominance of roads and vehicles negatively impacts the ability to travel easily, safely, and enjoyably around the town centre on foot and by bus or cycle, resulting in a less pleasant environment and a diminished sense of place.
The Farnham Infrastructure Programme has two town centre proposals showing different ways to address this. They both feature wider and repaved pavements, supported by the removal of unnecessary street clutter. This means space for new planting, public seating, and outside dining to make the town centre a nicer environment to visit and spend leisure time. More cycle parking in key locations in the town centre will help people to use bikes to get to town.
However, it was felt it wasn't viable to propose pedestrianisation as a town centre scheme, as it would displace traffic and congestion to other parts of the town. Therefore, the most feasible way to be able to move towards pedestrianisation is by a major shift away from travelling by car to sustainable and active methods of travel – such as walking, cycling and public transport.
So pedestrianisation of Farnham town centre remains a future option, provided the displacement of traffic can be mitigated alongside a significant reduction in car use.
Farnham Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan
A Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) is a long-term strategy for developing walking and cycling routes, and the programme is developing a specific one for Farnham. Engagement has begun with local councillors and key interest groups.
We want the Farnham LCWIP to support the development of a comprehensive cycle and walking network which is easily accessible, safe, direct, coherent and attractive. We want it to connect Farnham's neighbourhoods with each other, and those neighbourhoods with the town centre, supporting active travel and making it easier for people to leave the car at home when they can.
It's also important that the Farnham plan complements a Waverley-wide LCWIP and one being developed for Rushmoor which covers Aldershot. That means we can help to create a coherent network not just in the town, but surrounding communities. Any proposals will be complimentary to the other projects we have within the programme.
Cycling in the town centre
The historic nature of Farnham's town centre is characterised by some narrow roads, so it is not always possible to provide cycle lanes segregated from traffic for people who wish to cycle through the centre. However, the proposed improvements will help to make the town centre roads safer for cyclists, alongside measures to reduce through traffic by reclassification of the A325, the HGV restrictions and the upcoming introduction of 20mph speed limits.
Consultation
A consultation on Farnham Town Centre and the Farnham A31 Corridor is now live. Visit the Farnham Infrastructure Programme consultation site to review the documents and provide feedback on proposals.