Woking: Lightbox could remain open under council funding plans

Cash-strapped Woking council will ask government if it can reallocate funding to keep an arts centre open.

The authority was given £1million as part of the government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund in 2022.

Councillors now want to reallocate £601,000 of that, previously earmarked for a digital strategy in the borough.

Woking museum and gallery, The Lightbox, says its £130,000 share of the money would help the venue remain open to audiences.

The council hopes to use the money to help with various projects, including transferring community centre ownership and improving parks and play areas.

Woking Borough Council effectively declared itself bankrupt in June, with its debt expected to rise to £2.6bn, and has been working with government to better its financial position.

Under the plans, £30,000 would also be given to Citizen's Advice to help plan for the future and £101,000 allocated towards improving footpaths and car parks in outdoor spaces.

Sports organisations would get £150,000 to support transferring pavilion ownership to them and £140,000 would be handed to community groups for the transition of community centre ownership.

The remaining £50,000 would be used to try to attract investment and support businesses in Woking.

Will Forster, deputy leader at Woking, said the decision aimed to minimise the impact of the council's financial position on communities and local businesses.

He added: "We've had to make some really tough decisions this year. I'm glad that by utilising this funding sensibly we can show organisations like The Lightbox and Citizen's Advice that we value them and we are willing to do everything within our gift to support them."

The decision to reallocate the money to six priority projects was made at an executive meeting on Thursday 18 January, and government approval will now be sought.

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