Temporary protective hoarding is about to be placed around Epsom’s historic clock tower and the old planters in the Market Place have been removed in preparation for the major refurbishment of the Market Place starting next week (Monday 18th February). 

The current paving is reaching the end of its life and, rather than simply replace it, Epsom and Ewell Borough Council, in partnership with Surrey County Council, is taking the opportunity to provide a comprehensive upgrade to the area to transform its appearance and make the area much more of a destination for customers and visitors.

This represents a major investment in the town centre by the borough council with additional funding from the county council and the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership. The work itself is being managed on a day to day basis by the county council and undertaken by their contractor. 

The works will take place through 2019 and into 2020, with a break for the Derby and in the lead up to Christmas. 

The market area will remain open for business throughout the improvements. 

Councillor Eber Kington, Chairman of the Council’s Strategy and Resources Committee said “This is a positive commitment to the future of our town that will make the market area more attractive to visitors and businesses and will upgrade Epsom’s status as a town in which to shop, eat, work and do business”. 

“At a time when many high streets across the country are in trouble Epsom is bucking that trend and, with these improvements, will do so in the future. 

“We’ve been able to fund this project by utilising funds collected from developers that can only be spent on infrastructure schemes of this nature. The money for this work has not been diverted from the delivery of any council services”. 

The improvements include the following:

•             New paving

•             New seating

•             New power network and lighting

•             New 'wayfinding' signs

•             Up to 19 new trees and dedicated tree pits

•             Installation of a new drinking fountain

•             Relocation of the Evocation of Speed statue

•             Creating a location for the proposed Emily Davison statue

•             Renovation of the Richmond Cattle Trough and the time capsule stone  

Temporary walkways around the works will be introduced to ensure safe access to businesses and to the market, including for deliveries. 

The progress of these works more information is available at www.A24.Today