The Edge in Haslemere is set to reopen for community use on 22 January, providing a significant boost to the future of wheelchair and disability sport in the borough.
Waverley Borough Council has agreed an interim arrangement with Surrey County Council (SCC) to enable the facilities to reopen for community use for 12 months. It is envisaged that this will allow enough time to allow a sustainable, long-term arrangement for management of the facility to be put in place.
The Edge is the only facility in the borough that is truly accessible, and it supports two specific user groups: the Wheelchair Disabled Sports Team and the Cerebral Palsy Football Group. Without a local venue where they can safely participate in sport, both groups would most likely have to close.
Under the agreement, the Woolmer Hill Sports Association, which currently manages the outdoor sports pitches at the site, will also manage the facility, enabling local sports and community groups to use the sports hall from 22 January.
A pilot was held on Monday 15 January, which saw the Swallows Trampolining team return to the sports hall.
The sports hall has been closed to the public since June 2023, although it continued to be used by Woolmer Hill School during term time.
Waverley Borough Council has committed funding of up to £100,000 while Surrey County Council has committed up to £150,000 to enable The Edge to reopen for a 12-month arrangement.
Councillor Paul Follows, Leader of Waverley Borough Council said:
“We have put in place an interim solution because we know how important The Edge is to local sports teams, particularly disability groups that are unable to access other facilities. Our investment will ensure people of all abilities are able to experience the physical and mental benefits of sport.
“Once again, I’d like to thank the Woolmer Hill Sports Association for stepping up to enable sports groups to use the building while allowing further time to establish a long-term management plan.”
Councillor Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council said:
“I’m pleased that The Edge is reopening and that these much-valued local facilities are going to be available to some community groups once again. Sport is vital for health and wellbeing, so we now need to work together and ensure The Edge has a viable and long-term future.”