Objective 2: Vitality of the Town - projects

This page details individual project ideas for this Objective, resulting from the Leatherhead Tomorrow activity, summarises the status, and links to fuller project descriptions where available. Click on the links in the right hand column for fuller project descriptions and progress reports.

Key: Planning: work is in hand on detailed project planning in order to submit bids for funding; Funding: project funding is being sought; In Work: funding has been obtained, and work is in progress; Complete: project is complete; Revisit: this project may be amended or incorporated into another heading; NLA: no longer applicable or not now being addressed.

OBJECTIVE 2 - To improve the vitality of the town and the surrounding area in a way which recognises the different needs of the residents in the town and in the villages

EC2TO IMPROVE RETAIL PROVISION IN THE AREAS OUTSIDE THE IMMEDIATE TOWN CENTRE 
EC2.1Ensure that the Lidl site is earmarked for additional retail units if the planned development does not materialise. NLA
EC2.2Identify sites within the existing built up areas of the town for retail development. 
EC2.3The working group described in Project EC1.1, together with the Residents’ Associations, to develop plans to ensure that retail developments in the town centre and villages are mutually compatible and complementary. 
EC2.4Investigate the feasibility of forming an investment mechanism that would allow residents of the town and the surrounding area to invest in retail developments in the town and in the surrounding villages if required. 
EC2.5Develop and implement a strategy for improving the vitality of the town and the surrounding area which recognises the different needs of the residents of the town and villages, and which is dependent on outcomes of projects 2.1 – 4 above. 
EC2.6Develop a strategy to reinvigorate the Kingston Road area in terms of retail development, character and ambience 
EC3TO DEVELOP BUSINESS & EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE TOWN & SURROUNDING AREA 
EC3.1Develop facilities (premises and access to advice and support) for entrepreneurs (both old and young) to start and develop their own businesses (including retail businesses). 
EC3.2Create more employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled manual workers. In work
EC3.3Develop projects in consultation with ASFP, ALDAG, MENCAP amongst others to develop the confidence and skills of vulnerable and less able residents to help them gain employment 
EC3.4Investigate opportunities with the SCC Widening Participation Project for further education, financial literacy training, vocational training and life long learning and facilitate the coordination of training providers, in order to help retain younger residents and to promote the development of skills to enable return to work, to more skilled work or “hobby” skills, taking account of The Children and Young People’s Plan for Surrey and other relevant strategies 
EC3.5Integrate the business community more closely with the town 
EC4TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF VISITORS TO THE TOWN & SURROUNDING AREA 
EC4.1Implement and further develop the visitor attraction strategy with a view to making more use of the area’s tourist attractions. 
EC4.2Develop and implement a strategy to promote the town and villages to all residents. 
EC4.3Encourage an appreciation of what Leatherhead has to offer by putting up large information maps with details of shopping areas, Theatre, places of historical and contemporary interest, parks, River Mole walks, sports facilities, halls etcComplete
EC4.4Establish a Visitor Information Centre(s) in Leatherhead, possibly situated in the Theatre.
EC4.5Work with Tourism South East and others to find suitable sites for the development of a new hotel in the area and determine the feasibility (or otherwise) of building such a hotel..
EC4.6In conjunction with all current providers of meeting & conference facilities, catering and accommodation, develop a strategy for bringing more conference and business visitors to the town. Identify all halls and meeting places (including school halls) available for public hire and make information available on the web and through help shops etc..
EC4.7Prepare leaflets compiled with assistance of children to promote family activities in Leatherhead & area.