DEVELOPMENT in Reigate, Redhill and Horley has received a substantial boost with the award of £1.3 million from central government funds earmarked for development.

The money, the final payment from a £7.8 million redevelopment pot, for which the council had previously bid, is to be used for substantial building work in Redhill, Reigate and Horley.

Design: An artist's impression of the Horley leisure centre front elevation by S&P Architects.
Plans: Council leader Joan Spiers has welcomed £1.3 million boost to the region's re-development.
Redhill Action masterplan regeneration story. Projected visions of Master Plan: A potential view of Redhill Town Centre.
Revamp required: Redhill Town Centre

It is part of a government scheme designed to promote house-building and development in the region under the name "New Growth Point".

Reigate and Banstead is the only local authority in Surrey to be conferred New Growth Point Status.

Councillor Joan Spiers, leader of Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, explained: "We apply for Growth Point money for specific projects and it comes in dribs and drabs, but this is splendid news.

"Horley will see the results with a new, modern, state-of-the art leisure centre. We promised there would be no pain without gain. The pain was all the new building we have seen, but the gain is the leisure centre.

"Times are difficult, and there is no point in promising the world and not delivering it but work is starting on this now."

She added other areas being looked at included Preston Estate, which is "very high" on the council's list, where they are looking to build more housing and improve facilities at the football club and leisure centre.

And money is also available for Redhill – but spending it is more problematic. Councillor Spiers added: "We have been promised a supermarket for Redhill but we need all the ducks in a line.

"Tescos went out to consultation but nothing has transpired yet."

The council has promised to use the money to strike a balance between essential regeneration on the one hand, and clean, green and safe communities on the other.

Councillor Allen Kay, executive member for regeneration, said: "The essence of the council's spatial strategy is the regeneration of targeted areas to support social, economic and environmental improvements.

"An appropriate supply of good quality housing, including affordable housing for key workers and those in lower income groups, will support our sustainable communities."