In a meeting of the Cabinet Member for Customer and Communities Decisions, Surrey County Council approved funding for the Pandemic Community Bandstand project in Dorking. The project aims to create a new community bandstand in the centre of Dorking, providing a low-cost, outdoor arts and music space. The council authorised legal services to seal the funding agreement for the capital funding.

Pandemic Community Bandstand Project

The Cabinet Member for Customer and Communities approved funding of £209,109 for the Pandemic Community Bandstand project in Dorking.

The project aims to build, maintain, and operate a bandstand in Meadowbank Park in Dorking, as a tribute to those who were lost and the sacrifices made during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding will cover the fabrication, installation, and finishing of the structure. The bandstand will be available for hire at a low cost to community groups, such as orchestras, bands, and schools.

Performances will be subject to planning permission restrictions, especially for larger groups using amplification and lighting. The group plans to host a series of Sunday afternoon concerts called Music in Meadowbank throughout the summer, which could attract up to 200 people on a fine day.

The bandstand will have a traditional octagonal design, similar to one that used to be in Dorking, standing around six metres high with cast aluminium columns, balustrades, and a zinc roof. It will be fully accessible and located in the southern part of Meadowbank Park, close to the park's amenities.

The project is expected to provide a central focus point for the community, promote Dorking as a cultural centre, encourage outdoor activities, and help reduce social isolation.

A local member had some initial concerns, but these were addressed by the applicant with proposed mitigation measures. Councillor Stephen Cooksey, a member for a neighbouring division, expressed his support for the project, noting that Mole Valley District Council has given the project its full support, and that planning issues had been resolved by the Development Management Committee. Councillor Cooksey stated that the bandstand proposals had the support of the whole of Dorking, with one exception.