Future of Lakers site confirmed

Lakers Youth Centre in Goldsworth Park, Woking was gutted by fire in January 2018 and in spite of a petition from supporters and pressure from local councillors since that time, the building was left empty and unused until its demolition in 2021.

Surrey County Council has taken its time to review options for the site and finally presented plans for its re-development at its meeting of the Cabinet on Tuesday 28 March.

Initially the site was considered for use for Supported Independent Living (SIL). The Council later discounted this option, and the current plans propose the re-development of the Lakers' site to provide short breaks accommodation for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism.

Will Forster, Leader of Surrey Lib Dems and Member for Woking South commented:

"It is disappointing that the county council decided against re-opening this site as a facility for our young people. Unfortunately, the fire coincided with the time Surrey County Council was already making cuts to its funding for youth services across the county.

However, this is at last good news. The Lakers' site will re-open to provide a much-needed service to residents in the local area, that will benefit both those using the new, modern facilities as well as their carers."