The Elmbridge Borough Council has approved plans to transfer ownership of two local community centres to the Walton Charity as part of a wider effort to improve how community services are delivered in Walton-on-Thames and Cobham. On 16 April 2026, the council’s cabinet agreed to hand over the Walton Centre for the Community on Manor Road and the Cobham Centre for the Community on Oakdene Road for a nominal fee.
This decision is part of the council’s Connected Communities programme, which aims to provide better support for residents. Current council data indicates that while community services cost more than £4 million annually, they reach less than 1% of the population, even though nearly 12% of residents face significant challenges in their daily lives. By shifting management of these buildings to local partners, the council expects to save £1 million each year.
The Walton Charity, which traces its history back to before 1212, will take on the buildings to create improved spaces for community services. As part of the agreement, the charity has committed to investing approximately £200,000 into the buildings and providing £180,000 in funding for services over the next three years. The council will support this transition with a £30,000 grant.
These changes are being implemented as the local government structure in Surrey prepares for significant updates. From April 2027, current councils will be replaced by two new unitary authorities: East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council, with Elmbridge becoming part of the East Surrey Council. Officials state that securing these community hubs now is an important step in ensuring long-term support for local residents during this transition.
In a related change under the same programme, the Molesey Centre for the Community concluded its time under council operation on 17 April 2026. The centre is temporarily closed until the end of May while St Peter’s West Molesey prepares to take over management.
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