Elmbridge Cabinet decide on sale of Weybridge Hall

21 November: Sale of Weybridge Hall agreed

At Elmbridge Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 20 November, Councillors agreed to sell Weybridge Hall to Equippers Church.

During the marketing process, Equippers Church emerged as the preferred purchaser as they intend to refurbish the building, creating a two-tiered auditorium and converting upper parts into studios for various community activities. The church's plans include community use of the hall for hosting events like weddings, exercise classes, and art exhibitions for example, all benefiting local residents and businesses. 

Equippers Church's plans will not only preserve the historical essence of Weybridge Hall but also elevate its prominence on the high street. Their refurbishment will breathe new life into the building, making it a vibrant hub for community activities and events, thereby enhancing its significance in the local area.

No offer was received from a theatre / arts group.

13 November: Sale of Weybridge Hall to be considered at Cabinet

At November’s Elmbridge Cabinet meeting, Councillors will be asked to consider the sale of Weybridge Hall to the Equippers Church.

Former cinema

The former cinema, which opened in 1920 and was acquired by Elmbridge Borough Council in 1956, operated as a public hall until its closure in 2014. Since then, the building's condition has worsened. Swift Entertainment Venues (SEV) had an 18-month option to buy the building, but this expired in April 2024. The building has been actively marketed for sale since then.

Several offers received

Several offers were received for the building, with most proposals including residential upper parts and various ground floor uses like gyms, restaurants and churches.

The offers were evaluated based on conditionality, use, ability to transact and price. Equippers Church was deemed the best fit due to their use plan and transaction capability.

Equippers Church

Equippers Church plans to refurbish the building, featuring a two-tiered auditorium seating 300 to 400 people. The upper parts will be converted into studios for midweek meetings and workshops on mental health, wellbeing, counselling and youth gatherings. 

The building will also host weddings, birthday parties, exercise classes, art exhibitions and other community events. Additionally, the church is expected to bring significant added value to local businesses in Weybridge.

Best community use

Selling the building to Equippers Church is seen as the best option for community and leisure use. It is the least risky choice, offers a good price and ensures the building's future use better than the other offers received.          

The transfer will be subject to a restrictive covenant that the ground floor of the building can only be used for uses considered to have a leisure / community use that provides an active frontage onto Church Street, Weybridge. Equippers Church have agreed to this term and are keen to purchase the building. Completion of the sale is subject to contract. 

Cllr Simon Waugh
Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Commercial Strategy