The drive to rejuvenate Leatherhead town centre shifted into a new gear at Transform Leatherhead’s Spring Public Forum.

The forum gathered organisers, sponsors and residents together at the Leatherhead Theatre to help pool ideas on several of the central plans for the Transform Leatherhead initiative.

Several key developments were also presented to attendees, including the latest updates on the Swan Centre refurbishment and a rallying of support for Leatherhead’s bid to be included in the Government’s Future High Street’s Fund.

Councillor Simon Edge, Cabinet Member for Prosperity, praised attendees and feedback on the progress made on the Swan Centre, and pointed everyone interested in the project towards the results of the live Q&A session held with real estate experts Cushman & Wakefield.

Cllr Edge said: “The Spring Forum was a great opportunity to share our progress and to hear from retail specialists Cushman & Wakefield…

“Also, the great progress of our short term refurbishment of the Swan Centre, which is on track for completion in September…We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the next forum.”

Cllr Edge also urged everyone behind Transform Leatherhead and anyone hoping for its success to vote for its inclusion in the Future High Streets Fund—a new Government grant that towns across the UK can apply and will receive if their bids are approved.

Cllr Edge said: “We were also pleased by the support for our bid for inclusion in the Future High Streets Fund. If you would like to support the bid, you can vote online or send a letter of support. Every vote and letter of support counts!”

Transform Leatherhead is an initiative aiming to rejuvenate Leatherhead town centre with new development, and is sponsored by MVDC and a number of regional businesses and organizations including The Environment Agency, Coast2Coast, Cushman & Wakefield and others.

A video of the Spring Forum, including a special presentation from Leatherhead stalwart Peter Snell, can be found at: www.facebook.com/Transformleatherhead

To vote for Leatherhead’s bid to win Government funding in the Future High Streets Fund, go to: www.molevalley.gov.uk/futurehighstfund