In July, Councillors approved a recommendation to establish a new strategic priority to assess Hook Road Arena’s suitability for a mixed-use leisure and residential development.
Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has commissioned Continuum Sport & Leisure (Continuum), an independent consultancy appointed through the Sport England Framework, to carry out a Best Value Feasibility Study to explore the site's development potential.
Continuum will consult with community sports clubs and groups in Epsom & Ewell this autumn through in-person workshops and an online survey to understand local sports priorities, and to identify the types of sports provision most needed in the borough that could be provided at the site.
Any local sports groups that would like to respond but have not received the survey, or an invitation to a workshop via their governing body, can email lucy@continuumleisure.co.uk to request a survey.
The final report will be presented to the Strategy and Resources Committee before 31 March 2027. Any future decision to proceed with development would need to be supported by a robust business case and would be subject to approval by the new East Surrey authority.
Any future planning application would be accompanied by a formal consultation, giving residents and stakeholders the opportunity to review proposals and provide their views.
Frequently asked questions
- Why has Hook Road Arena been identified for potential development?
- What sports facilities are being proposed for the Hook Road Arena site?
- How will the current users of the site be provided for in the future if the site is developed for community sport?
- Will this lead to more traffic in the surrounding area?
- How are the local environment and wildlife being considered?
- Why does the consultation only include sports clubs at this stage?
- How will the facility be managed and operated?
- The overall plan for Hook Road Arena also includes housing – why is housing also being considered for the site?
- The site is subject to a formal agreement that protects its future development– how does this allow for development?
- What is the timetable for the study?
- How can I contribute towards the consultation?
- How will the public be informed of the progress of Hook Road Arena?
1. Why has Hook Road Arena been identified for potential development?
Hook Road Arena is a proposed site allocation in the borough’s submitted Local Plan, which is currently undergoing a public examination by a Government appointed Planning Inspector. The site is allocated to deliver a new sports hub for community use and residential development to meet the growing need for community sport in the borough and across Surrey and provide much needed housing including affordable housing. Many of our sports teams are looking for new venues to meet increased demand. Several teams in Epsom and Ewell must travel outside the borough to practise, which may reduce opportunities for local people, particularly young people, to participate.
2. What sports facilities are being proposed for the Hook Road Arena site?
This is for the feasibility study to help identify; however, we know a lot of sports clubs want to see new courts and pitches including possible artificial grass pitch provision. The plans would be focused on providing outdoor sports facilities with supporting changing and pavilion facilities, however not provision such as swimming pools.
Hook Road Arena is currently used for car boot sales, fireworks and offers access to green space. These activities will be considered as part of any review of the site’s future use. In addition; any future planning application would be accompanied by a formal consultation, giving residents and stakeholders the opportunity to review proposals and provide their views.
4. Will this lead to more traffic in the surrounding area?
Access via car and public transport will be reviewed within this initial options appraisal process to ensure users will be able to access facilities. Specific details on transport and any impact on the highway network will form part of any later stages of design and planning for the site, if it is developed.
5. How are the local environment and wildlife being considered?
This initial stage will consider any potential future implications for the local environment in line with our commitment to supporting biodiversity in Epsom and Ewell. Any future development proposal would include appropriate environmental assessments to address biodiversity policies and meet planning and best practice guidelines.
6. Why does the consultation only include sports clubs at this stage?
This stage aims to understand the sporting needs for the borough and explore what facilities could be part of a community sports hub. We are keen to engage with local sports clubs to find out what their facility needs are, better understand the expected growth of their clubs, and how the future facilities at Hook Road Arena could help meet those needs.
Any future planning application would be accompanied by a formal consultation, giving residents and stakeholders the opportunity to review proposals and provide their views.
7. How will the facility be managed and operated?
Options for the future management and operation of the site are being considered within this initial feasibility study and will be informed by the facility options and outcomes from the consultation.
As well as improving access to sports locally, we also recognise the need to deliver much-needed housing, including affordable homes, in the borough. In addition, the development of housing on the site would provide important funding for the community sports facilities being explored as part of this feasibility study.
The covenant on the site allows for outdoor sport and recreation and any buildings that support this use.
10. What is the timetable for the study?
We aim to agree the options to take forward for the site, for detailed design, planning and community consultation, in January 2027.
The final report will be presented to the Strategy and Resources Committee before 31 March 2027. Any future decision to proceed with development would need to be supported by a robust business case and would be subject to approval by the new East Surrey authority.
Any future planning application would be accompanied by a formal consultation, giving residents and stakeholders the opportunity to review proposals and provide their views.
11. How can I contribute towards the consultation?
If you are a member of a sports club, your club will shortly receive a survey from your National Governing Body of Sport or Active Surrey – if you have not received this survey, please email lucy@continuumleisure.co.uk and request a survey stating which club you represent. These requests will then be verified by the National Governing Body for your specific sport, and if your club is verified, a survey will be sent to your club.
12. How will the public be informed of the progress of Hook Road Arena?
We will share updates on our website and on our social media on Facebook, Instagram and Nextdoor @epsomewellBC.