Dorking Halls was built in 1931, quickly becoming a much-loved centre for music and the arts at the heart of Dorking in Surrey. Having undergone a large-scale refurbishment from 1994-1997, the venue also benefitted from updates in 2017 to reflect our Art Deco origins. Now, in 2024 and looking ahead to 2025, Dorking Halls is due another planned refurbishment to further protect the heritage of the venue and evolve for a greener future.
Page updated: Wednesday 7 February 2024
When will the refurbishment take place?
We have allocated a four month period, Sunday 9 June to Tuesday 8 October 2024, when the works will take place. During this time, Dorking Halls will be out of use.
What work is being undertaken in 2024?
The main work that is taking place in 2024 is the removal of our plaster ceiling in the Grand Hall. Whilst it is safe, keeping it safe requires a very costly regime of ongoing inspections and maintenance work that is not sustainable in the long term. The initial work this year will be to remove the ceiling and put a temporary one in its place. The long-term replacement ceiling will be fitted in summer 2025.
What work is being undertaken in 2025?
The new long-term ceiling will be fitted in the Grand Hall. We will also be having our heating and cooling plant replaced with a more efficient system. This will not only reduce costs but also reduce our carbon footprint. Alongside this, there are other improvement works being considered for the 2025 period which are not yet finalised. It is anticipated that we should have the confirmed details of these by June 2024 and will update this page accordingly.
Will Dorking Halls be closed during the refurbishment?
Dorking Halls will be out of use during the 2024 refurbishment. Our live events have been arranged around this planned closure.
In 2025 we are anticipating that we will need to close the entire building for a period over the summer. The scope of these works is still being finalised, as are the specific dates. We will confirm more in the near future; please continue to check this page for updates.
I have booked tickets for an event – will it be taking place?
All advertised events are definitely taking place. This is a planned closure so we have not booked any events during the refurbishment periods. Click here to browse our full programme of upcoming events.
I’m a Friend of Dorking Halls – what will happen to my benefits?
Our Friends are our priority and we have you in mind when making any decisions. We will ensure that you won’t miss out. Your membership will automatically be extended to cover this and any vouchers will be honoured, you won’t have to do anything.
I have a Dorking Halls Gift Voucher – can I still use it?
If you have been given a Dorking Halls Gift Voucher that is due to expire during our planned refurbishment works and are unable to use it, simply let us know and we will extend this for you. Please email our Box Office Manager at kelly.twine@molevalley.gov.uk.
Have another question?
This page will be regularly updated with the most recent information on our planned refurbishment. If we haven’t been able to answer your question, please call our Box Office on 01306 881717 or email dhfeedback@molevalley.gov.uk and your enquiry will be passed to the relevant person.
