Elmbridge Borough Council invites local people to lead the future of Community Hubs

Elmbridge Borough Council is inviting passionate local organisations, individuals and community groups to help reimagine and lead the evolution of our community centres into dynamic Community Hubs, spaces designed to help more residents thrive.

As part of our Connected Communities initiative which aims to help more people in our area, we’re offering a unique opportunity for community-led transformation. We want to ensure that everyone in Elmbridge can access the support they need and feel part of a vibrant, inclusive community.

We’re looking for partners with the vision, energy, and capacity to lead these hubs. This is your chance to shape a space that reflects the needs and aspirations of your community, bringing people together, championing wellbeing and ensuring no one is left behind.

To support interested parties, we are hosting an interactive information session:

• Date: Tuesday 16 September 2025
• Time: 4pm to 7pm
• Location: Lower Green Community Centre, Farm Road, Esher, Surrey, KT10 8AU
• RSVP: Eventbrite

Please note this is a ticketed event and all participants must sign up via Eventbrite. 

Attendees will:

• learn what’s involved in running a Community Hub
• discover available funding and support
• receive guidance to help shape their proposals

Cllr Gill Coates, Portfolio Holder for Community Care:

This is a fantastic opportunity for local people to take the lead in creating welcoming, purpose-driven spaces that serve their communities. We’re excited to work with groups who share our commitment to inclusion, wellbeing, and a thriving local community. 

This session is ideal for groups with a strong local connection, a clear social purpose, and the ambition to shape community spaces for the future.

Package of support

The event will be followed up with a question and answer session, centre walk arounds, as well as information sessions as needed (dates and time to follow). We are committed to ensuring you have all the support you need to run a Community Hub.

We have a long-standing track record of working in partnership with community groups to manage local spaces. Facilities such as Lower Green Community Centre, the Elmbridge Eco Hub, The Cecil Hepworth Playhouse, and Vine Hall are all examples of council-owned buildings successfully run by community organisations, demonstrating the value and viability of community-led models. You can read their stories in advance of the event.

Michael Tumilty Elmbridge Community Eco Hub CIC: 

We’ve built something genuinely unique and valuable, and none of it would have been possible without the support and premises provided by the council.

Jenny French and Cathy Heavens, Lower Green Community CIO: 

EBC has provided much-needed support and grant funding to help us maintain the building so we can focus more of our staff time and resources on providing activities and support services for the local community. This practical help has enabled us to develop the Centre to provide a welcoming, safe and empowering space where the local community can come for a chat, take part in activities and receive help and support when it’s needed. It’s rewarding to be making such a positive impact in Lower Green through the services and facilities we offer.

More information

For questions ahead of the event, please contact commservices@elmbridge.gov.uk