WeyBetter Weybridge health centre and town centre renewal project

Page contents

Roads and infrastructure consultation feedback

There were a total of 547 Commonplace contributions and 114 feedback emails received in response to the roads and infrastructure consultation run between January and February 2023. All these responses have been analysed and a summary of the feedback can be read on the roads and consultation feedback tile on the Commonplace website.

Public exhibitions

January 2023

Following the public exhibition held in May 2022, the project team held a second event in January 2023.

There was a week-long pop-up display with a drop-in session on one day to share progress on the redevelopment of community and health services in the area, along with a series of planned road improvements.

The drop-in was attended by key decision makers and the wider project team who shared information about how the facilities will benefit the local community.

The content from the event is available to view via our WeyBetter Weybridge website.

May 2022

On Friday the 20 May Surrey County Council, North West Surrey Health and Care Alliance and Elmbridge Borough Council hosted a public exhibition to present information about the renewal of the healthcare, library and community facilities in Weybridge. The event was held in St James Church.

The public event provided an opportunity for residents to see progress so far and speak with key decision makers. Display boards around the venue showed a range of information including a summary of all the research and feedback from residents to date, plans for the road improvements, proposals for the library redevelopment and information about the services that will be available in the new health campus. During the five hour event, over 250 residents visited and spent time reading the display boards, talking to key decision makers from across the organisations involved and leaving feedback about the programme.

Local leaders were present at the event, including:

  • Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council
  • Dr Ben Spencer, MP for Runnymede and Weybridge
  • Marie Snelling, Executive Director for Customer and Communities, Surrey County Council
  • Ian Smith, Designate Chair for the Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board
  • Jack Wagstaff, Place Leader, North West Surrey Alliance

As the WeyBetter Weybridge programme develops, there will be plenty of opportunity for local people and partners to have their say to ensure the proposals meet the needs of local people and local communities. If you were unable to attend the event in person, you can find all of the information in Weybridge library until mid-June and it is also available on the WeyBetter Weybridge website.

Overview

WeyBetter Weybridge is the programme bringing together NHS Surrey Heartlands, Surrey County Council, North West Surrey Alliance and Elmbridge Borough Council to renew the healthcare and community facilities in Weybridge.

The aim is to build a new health campus in the centre of Weybridge after the old facilities burnt down in a fire in 2017, alongside the renewal of the library and other associated elements such as a car park and youth centre provision.

From our engagement with local people, we know how much of a priority it is for residents to see progress on an affordable, achievable plan to build a new health campus which will provide state of the art accommodation for the two GP practices, alongside other services such as mental health and outpatients clinics.

The scheme is now moving into a new phase, led by a partnership between Surrey County Council, NHS Surrey Heartlands, North West Surrey Alliance and Elmbridge Borough Council, which will have primary focus on the health campus, whilst planning for a further stage of development which will encompass the library. We also plan to make improvements to the town centre. The aim is to create a better town centre environment that encourages active travel such as walking and cycling. In addition we plan to improve pedestrian crossing facilities, street furniture, traffic flow and associated air quality.

At key points in the programme, we will be publishing updates on this webpage so the wider community can see our progress.

Public engagement

In July 2021 we established a Stakeholder Reference Group made up of community leaders, community groups and residents. This group will meet at monthly intervals.

About the project

What WeyBetter Weybridge will deliver

The immediate priority for the WeyBetterWeybridge project is to build the health campus. From engagement with residents, we know that's the main concern and are looking to do this as quickly as possible.

Future plans for the site – which covers the old hospital, carpark and library - also include the redevelopment of the library and other facilities such as a community centre. The site holds many opportunities, but we also need to take care with its development. It is important that the plans consider all users and have the support of the site's neighbours. Therefore, our stakeholder engagement work is very important. To read the latest updates on the health campus please visit the North West Surrey Alliance website.

Alongside the plans for community facilities, we are planning improvements to the town centre. The aim is to create a better town centre environment by improving pedestrian crossings and street furniture, encouraging active travel such as walking and cycling and improving traffic flow and associated air quality. The community will be involved in developing these designs.

What has happened since the fire in 2017

In 2017 a fire destroyed the Weybridge Community Hospital. A range of services including outpatient, urgent care and primary care (two GP Practices) services had been located within the site. Since the fire, the two GP Practices have been re-housed in temporary portacabins. The other NHS services have been provided in locations across the North West Surrey locality.

The NHS begun a process to build a new health campus, considering service demand at the time of the fire and also considering the future needs of the population of North West Surrey. A number of options have been considered but a preferred option has not been agreed.

A number of engagement activities have also been held to gather the views of local people. This work concluded in June 2021.

We now want to see faster progress on an affordable, achievable plan. This new phase – led by a partnership between Surrey County Council, NHS Surrey Heartlands and Elmbridge Borough Council – will have an initial primary focus on the health campus, while planning for a further stage of development which will encompass the library.

How the climate emergency is being considered as part of this project

All partners have made significant commitments to net zero carbon. We aim to develop all local authority new builds with a net zero design standard as detailed in the climate change strategy.

Frequently asked questions

For information on the Health Campus, please visit the NHS website page about the Weybridge programme.

Highways and active travel

Why are you proposing changes to the roads in Weybridge town centre?

In reference to our Local Transport Plan changes are planned across Weybridge town centre to improve local neighbourhoods and other parts of towns and villages to provide attractive environments for people, and to increase opportunities to live and work locally in order to reduce trip numbers and lengths.

Weybridge town centre has high levels of private vehicle journeys and related congestion within the area. Congestion and journey times through the town centre will worsen. As a result, we have recognised a need to improve footway areas, road safety, enhance bus journey time, tackle road traffic congestion, undertake decluttering works, improve the highway environment for all road users across Weybridge town centre.

Weybridge is by far the largest employment centre in Elmbridge. There is an aspiration to invest in Weybridge to ensure it continues to be an attractive town for business, education, and as a place to live.

What are the changes you are proposing?

  • Footway improvements- widening existing footways
  • Carriageway improvement works
  • Providing new cycling and pedestrian links, routes, and spaces
  • On-street parking review to make improvements where possible.
  • Speed reduction measures
  • Decluttering of unused street furniture
  • Public transport improvement works (bus stops and bus shelters)
  • Identifying potential locations for urban greening
  • Lightning upgrade works
  • Improved signage

Why is this necessary?

We need to make these changes to improve issues identified in the area. To provide a safer environment for motorist, pedestrians and cyclists, encourage active travel, improve public transport experience, reduce accidents and improve journey time.

  • Improving accessibility for all using the town (residents, business owners, employees, visitors), especially for pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Improving crossing provision to ensure the town is safe and accessible for all users.
  • Improving active travel provision for people walking or cycling.
  • Improve passenger transport accessibility
  • Improving safety throughout the town centre and adjacent areas, by reducing vehicle speeds via the introduction of 20mph posted speed limits.
  • Integration with the hospital & library redevelopment

Weybridge town centre would benefit from active travel, improved public passenger services, and an efficient road network that meets our objectives. Considering the updated government policies around active travel, and our draft Local Transport Plan LTP4, there is a need to ensure that Weybridge town centre improvement project aligns with our draft goals regarding climate change and active travel.

How much will the work cost and where is the funding coming from?

The scheme cost is estimated to be £5 million, and Elmbridge have allocated £2.5 million to the scheme. The remaining funding is expected to be provided by us.

When will the work start?

Due to major work being carried out by National Highways at junction 10 of the M25, a decision was made to delay starting work in Weybridge town centre. If works were to take place in Weybridge at the same time as the major scheme on the M25 we would expect significant levels of congestion within the local area caused by traffic diverting to avoid junction 10 of the M25.

We have worked with the Streetworks team at Surrey who coordinate all road works in the county, including the planned A320 North of Woking highway improvements, and have developed a revised timeline for road improvements in Weybridge. We have also received an initial works programme from our contractor and aim to start early works in late spring to early summer this year. The work will be carried out in phases to avoid disruption whilst major closures take place on the M25 and A3 for National Highways junction 10 scheme.

Will all the roads be worked on at the same time?

No, the works will be delivered in phases.

Will there be noise pollution during the works?

If required, a section 61 application will be submitted to Elmbridge Borough Council as a pro-active approach to reducing environmental impact. This would outline what methods are in place to minimise disruption to the neighbourhood.

What will the traffic management be?

Appropriate and safe traffic management measures will be set up to reduce the impact of construction as much as possible. Inevitably there will be some disruption to traffic especially at peak times, but careful consideration will be given to the timing and phasing of works to keep this to a minimum.

How will the work affect businesses and residents?

We will do our best to ensure that disruption to businesses and residents is kept to a minimum. There may be instances where we have to prevent access for safety reasons. Should this become necessary, we will provide advance warning and review alternative accessibility arrangements with residents and businesses.

How will residents be informed of the works?

Since September 2021 we have been supported by a Stakeholder Reference Group (local residents, stakeholders and local Councillors) that have an interest in the Weybridge town centre improvement proposals. This group will help us develop the proposals but also think about how we would further engage with the public, having helped co-design the May 2022 event. These will take the form of different forums, ranging from similar public engagement events to smaller focus groups.

Residents can also be updated on this webpage and informed via letters, signs, posters and the website.

Has traffic modelling been done on Elgin Road?

An automatic traffic count survey has been conducted. The findings demonstrate 60% of traffic is non-resident.

Will there be an impact on traffic if Elgin Road is closed?

Elgin Road implementation will be delivered on a trial basis which could then be made permanent if proven to address the high cut-through traffic and not heavily impacting Hanger Hill or Heath Road traffic movement. As Elgin Road is an experimental proposal, following monitoring, all measures will either be removed or retained depending on changes in travel behaviour.

Will there be an impact on traffic due to the closure of Old Wharf Way?

Our modelling team have assessed the potential impact of all proposed alterations within the town centre, including the closure of Old Wharf Way to through traffic.

The re-routing of vehicles who currently use Old Wharf Way has negligible impact on the performance of the A317, Balfour Road, Weybridge Road and Portmore Park roundabout, adding between 0.2 and 0.6 seconds to any delay experienced at this junction. The junction operates with significant residual capacity during peak periods with these additional vehicle movements.

Is there any accident record to justify the proposed improvements on Old Wharf Way?

Collision data recorded by Surrey Police highlights seven incidents in this area, including the following:

  • Pedestrian injury from vehicle travelling along Old Wharf Way.
  • Injured vehicle occupant at the Balfour Road and Portmore Park Road junction.
  • Pedestrian fatality on Balfour Road near the pelican crossing.
  • Injured vehicle occupant on Balfour Road, no turn.
  • Injured vehicle occupant on Balfour Road, turning right.
  • Two injured vehicle occupants turning left out of Portmore Quays.

Following an introduction of 20 mph, once vehicle speed has been reduced, how are you going to deal with potential 'rat runs' caused by the speed restriction?

There will be ongoing monitoring of the town centre traffic movement. If rat running activities do happen, deterrent measures might be considered.

Why are you going to change the double yellow lines at Old Wharf Way?

The extension of the double-yellow line is to improve pedestrian visibility whilst crossing the road at the junction of Bridge Road and Old Wharf Way.

The existing double yellow line extends approximately 10.5 metres (in a straight line) from the junction mouth, this is the minimum required to attempt to encourage compliance with the highway code; however, it is insufficient to enable pedestrians and motorists to see one another. Existing intervisibility is poor in this location.

Will there be a loss of parking at Old Wharf Way if extended double yellow lines are introduced?

The extended lines will result in the loss of approximately 6 metres of kerbside available for parking. Based on the Manual for Streets (and other design standards, which stipulate 6 metres minimum is required for vehicles when parked parallel) this is equivalent to the loss of parking provision for one vehicle.

Why are you going to introduce a no-through road at Old Wharf Way?

One of the primary causes of vehicles turning at speed into Old Wharf Way are vehicles travelling westbound along Bridge Street who, upon the traffic signal turning red on the approach to the bridge, then decide to turn right up Old Wharf Way. The closure to through traffic, whilst designed to accomplish multiple project objectives, will also resolve this issue.

How are you going to improve the pavement? Why is there an option to extend the eastern-side pavement to slow traffic?

The rationale for widening the pavement on the eastern side of Old Wharf Way is engineering-and design-standards-led, for several reasons:

  • Widening the selected side will improve visibility at the crossing compared to the existing arrangement, thus improving safety in this location.
  • Retaining the existing kerb alignment on the western side is required in order to enable large vehicles (For example, waste collection vehicles, delivery vehicles) turning left from Bridge Road into Old Wharf Way without conflicting with any vehicles travelling westbound which have been held at the stop line for the traffic signals.
  • Ensuring compliance with mandated visibility splay requirements, as outlined within Manual for Streets 2.
  • Widening the eastern side will result in reduced construction impact and cost, whereas widening on the western side would require gully relocation and additional kerb realignment, increasing capital cost.

The proposed widened pavement, in conjunction with the raised table at the junction, will facilitate safer and easier crossing of Old Wharf Way for those travelling along Bridge Street. This will reduce the speed of vehicles entering Old Wharf Way, whilst still facilitating access and egress of the multiple vehicles which require access. These vehicles include deliveries (to residents), waste collection vehicles, fire tenders and ambulances. Swept path assessments of vehicles were undertaken during the design process.

Will access be restricted at Old Wharf Way?

Access would not be restricted. Residents will be able to use either Bridge Road, Addlestone Road, Weystone Road or Bridge Road, Church Street and Balfour Road, for journeys using the A317 westbound. All other outbound journeys, and all inbound journeys, are unaffected.

Our modelling team have assessed the potential impact of all proposed alterations within the town centre, including the closure of Old Wharf Way to through traffic.

The re-routing of vehicles that currently use Old Wharf Way has negligible impact on the performance of the A317, Balfour Road, Weybridge Road, Portmore Park roundabout. This would add between 0.2 and 0.6 seconds to any delay experienced at this junction. The junction operates with significant residual capacity during peak periods with these additional vehicle movements.

Why are you proposing to implement a 20mph zone in Weybridge? How can you prove that it can improve road safety?

We are proposing a 20mph zone to reduce traffic speeds to create a safer environment for pedestrians, cyclists and other non-motorised users. 20mph speed limits, have been demonstrated, both nationally across the UK, and internationally, to have a demonstrable effect on improving road safety for everyone, whether pedestrians, cyclists, or vehicle drivers and occupants. Recent studies have demonstrated a 1.5% risk of a fatality for collisions at 20mph compared to an 8% risk of a fatality at 30mph. Collisions occurring at 20mph are 5 times less likely to result in fatal injury.

Studies have shown that 20mph schemes help to encourage active travel by increasing walking and cycling levels.

What improvements are you making for pedestrians and cyclists?

We will be widening footways, upgrading and adding new crossing points, improving signage within the scheme area wherever possible. We also plan to improve cycle provision by implementing new compliant cycle lanes and cycle lane markings.

Will there be any other future Surrey County Council projects in Weybridge town centre?

The Liveable Neighbourhood (LN) programme aims to generate zones in Weybridge particularly in close vicinity of the Weybridge town centre project and complementary to it. There is a future aspiration to install electric vehicle chargepoints in Weybridge town centre. Further details on the LNs programme will be set out once it is determined.

What are the next steps?

We would welcome thoughts or comments on our transport improvement plans for Weybridge town centre, and we invite you to complete our online questionnaire on the Weybetter Weybridge website. Your feedback will help us to develop our proposals as we move through the detailed design and construction phases.

Health Centre

Why has there been a delay to the WeyBetter Weybridge programme?

Following the fire at Weybridge hospital in 2017, work began to review the opportunity for redevelopment, encompassing a wider area than just the health centre. This is a complex piece of work involving multiple public sector organisations and includes the requirement to secure insurance money and further funds to deliver our ambitious plans.

We have taken the time to conduct research on health services required against a backdrop of the services available in the surrounding area. We have spoken to residents to understand what they want to see to make Weybridge a better place to live and work. The last two years have also seen us living through an unprecedented pandemic, which has resulted in other health services being prioritised. The programme was formally reconstituted in the autumn of 2021 and we now believe we are in a better place to move swiftly forward with our plans.

When and how will residents be engaged?

Since September 2021 we have been supported by a Stakeholder Reference Group (local residents, stakeholders and local councillors) that have an interest in the proposals. This group will help us develop the proposals but also think about how we would further engage with the public, having helped co-design the May 2022 event. These will take the form of different forums, ranging from similar public engagement events to smaller focus groups.

Residents can also be updated on this webpage. We will look to be bringing more detailed designs forwards in the autumn as we look to involve the wider community in the development of the proposals across the health campus, library and plaza.

When can we expect building to start?

Assuming that planning permission is required, the building work for the library will start later in 2023, with the work on the plaza being completed once the major building work has finished. The programme and our partners will need to be mindful of the sequencing involved in the build phase and the continued delivery of services. Within the programme a group has been established to ensure there is coordination of these plans and that local disruption is minimised and support is provided between organisations.

When will the new facilities be fully open and operational?

Subject to funding and planning permission, construction of the health campus will be completed by the end of 2025, however a short period of time will be needed after this date to move services into the building from the existing locations including the two Weybridge GP practices.

Which sites are involved and who is involved in each site?

Partners are working together to bring a full package of local improvements to Weybridge residents. NHS will be leading the delivery on the Weybridge Community Hospital Site and Surrey County Council the delivery of the transformed library building, road and infrastructure improvements.

However, a key benefit of our approach is the ability for one partner to support another so that there is a collective rather than individual approach.

Is vacant Weybridge Hall included?

In September 2022, Elmbridge Borough Council Cabinet agreed to transform Weybridge Hall into an arts and theatre venue. For more information, see the Elmbridge Borough Council website.

Library

What will happen to Weybridge library?

The community will benefit from a transformation of Weybridge Library as part of this development. The new library will be a modern, flexible space and the library service will work closely with residents and partner organisations to ensure that it meets the needs of the local community. The space will be light, accessible and comfortable. It will include a range of areas for events, exhibitions and meetings, as well as spaces for visitors to enjoy the books and benefit from modern technology and business support. The combination of spaces for social interaction, cultural experiences and learning opportunities, along with information and support for local communities and businesses, will promote health and wellbeing and position Weybridge Library as a cultural and community hub, making it a destination on the high street.

Is the library being knocked down or redeveloped?

Following a review of the options, we have decided to retain the existing library building and refurbish to create a vibrant, modern space and to bring it up to energy efficiency standards, in line with the council's commitment to be carbon net zero by 2030. The new facility will provide an improved space for the statutory library provision, as well as community and partner space with the retention and enhancement of space for Brooklands Radio. The hub will provide universal access for all residents through its programme of activities.

Who will be in the library building?

  • Modern library
  • Increased space and continued home for Brooklands radio
  • Space for targeted youth and family work
  • Business hub and co-working space
  • An 'Activity Hub' - Community space that can be booked for activities and or utilisation from public sector partners
  • Commercially lettable space

Where will the library relocate to during the refurbishment works?

We are currently looking into a number of options from where to operate a temporary facility from. This will remain in central location but will likely be a smaller library space than the current building. We will look to increase opening hours at nearby libraries during the course of the works.

What is the daily usage of the library?

Overall, our Library Service had 2.1million visits in 2022. Weybridge library is one of the most visited of Surrey's libraries, twelfth busiest out of the 52 across the county with 52,480 visits in 2022. The transformation will enable the library to meet the current and future needs of its existing users, and to cater for a local population that is predicted to increase by around 18,000 by 2030, with a particular increase in the 5 to 15 age group within the borough.

Who will the new library benefit?

The space will be accessible and welcoming to all, with a wide range of facilities, services, events and activities designed to deliver benefits for all those who live, work and study in the area. The library service will work closely with local residents and partner organisations to ensure the new library meets the needs of the local community on an ongoing basis. There is a particular emphasis on the children's area of the library, to encourage play and learning, and on diverse cultural events for all audiences. Alongside these will be classes, workshops and support on topics of broad interest, as well as opportunities to access a range of other services from the building, to benefit all residents.

What will be in the new library?

The library space will be designed to be flexible, enabling different types of activities and events to take place. It will include exhibition and performance space, alongside confidential rooms that can be used for workshops, classes or for groups to meet. There will be space throughout the building where people can use facilities including Wi-Fi, computers, printing and photocopying to support them to collaborate, work or study.

Town centre

Will the recreation ground remain intact?

The recreation ground will remain intact. In our proposal, part of the Churchfields Car Park will move from its existing position to Churchfields Bowling Green which is next to the recreation ground. This will allow us to provide a large plaza as a multi-functional public space behind the library. Partners support this proposal in terms of the transfer of space between the two locations, given the lack of this type of multi-functional space, that the wider community can come together and use.

Is the youth centre being moved and will it retain its green space?

Having explored a variety of options there is no intention to move the youth centre. We will continue to work together with the trustees to ensure that youth facilities are part of the wider community offer.

Will local grade II listed heritage being protected?

The design teams are aware of the local heritage on the site and particularly the grade II listed buildings. It is hoped that the designs will enhance the views of these buildings and any new build would need to be sympathetic in its design and character.

Contact us

For questions about the Health Campus, please email syheartlandsicb.nwsalliance.comms@nhs.net

If you would like to get in contact with the project team please email: weybetter.weybridge@surreycc.gov.uk

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