Heritage Potential and Communications Potential secure unanimous Listed Building Consent and Planning Permission for Change of Use of Lutyens’ former Social Club in Farnham to restaurant and pub.
One of the earliest works of Sir Edwin Lutyens, the building was completed in 1895 as a purpose-built social club. The Grade II Listed building suffered poorly considered extensions over the years, with the internal floorplan considerably altered. Whilst Lutyens’ original façade remained largely unchanged, the building had considerably deteriorated through lack of investment. With the closure of the Social Club, the opportunity presented itself to bring this building back to economic and social use, for the benefit of the Farnham, community.
Recognising from the outset the importance of the building locally, Heritage Potential and Communications Potential undertook a considerable engagement exercise with the Town Council and local stakeholders including the Farnham Society. Through collaboration, we found a solution that respects the varying opinions of stakeholders whilst reflecting the needs of the building and playing homage to the original Lutyens design.
The result is a scheme supported by local stakeholders, The Lutyens Trust, as well as Heritage and Conservation Officers at Waverley Borough Council.
The consented scheme will create a new independent fine dining experience for Farnham. The building will be sensitively altered internally, with a more befitting new rear extension and customer first-floor terrace. Importantly, the scheme includes the sensitive restoration of the Lutyens façade, ensuring the longevity of the building for the Farnham community.