Dorking Halls was built in 1931, quickly becoming a much-loved centre for music and the arts at the heart of Dorking in Surrey. Having undergone a large-scale refurbishment from 1994-1997, the venue also underwent updates in 2017 to reflect our Art Deco origins. In 2024, Dorking Halls benefitted from the first phase of additional works to further protect the heritage of the venue and evolve for a greener future, with the final step planned for summer 2026.
Page updated: Monday 20 April 2026
Our doors are now closed for the second phase of essential works, from Saturday 18 April 2026, due to reopen mid December 2026 ready for a sparkling panto season!
What work is being undertaken in 2026 for the second phase?
Key improvements planned in 2026 include replacing outdated mechanical and electrical systems such as air handling units and chillers, installing solar panels and heat recovery systems to cut carbon emissions by up to 75 tonnes annually, and upgrading the Grand Hall’s stage grid and lighting equipment to meet modern safety and performance standards.
Will Dorking Halls be completely closed?
Dorking Halls, including the Café & Bar, will be out of use during the 2026 closure. However, we are still able to offer a great programme of events at Pippbrook House, which will include children shows, stand-up comedy, talks and our summer theatre workshop. We will of course also have our Plays In The Park on Saturday 18 July and Family Fun Day on Sunday 19 July in Meadowbank Park.
Our Box Office will be set up over the road in the reception of the council offices, Pippbrook, to help with all bookings and enquiries weekdays 10am-5pm.
I’m a Friend of Dorking Halls, what will happen to my benefits?
Our Friends are our priority and we have you in mind when making any decisions. We will ensure that you won’t miss out. Your membership will automatically be extended to cover this and any vouchers will be honoured, you won’t have to do anything.
When did the closure for the first phase take place?
Monday 3 June to 9 December 2024. Dorking Halls reopened for Cinema and Event screenings on Monday 9 December, with the first live show being the Christmas Pantomime, Sleeping Beauty from Friday 20 December.
What work has been undertaken in 2024?
The main work that took place during the 2024 closure was the replacement of our plaster ceiling in the Grand Hall. Whilst it was safe, keeping it safe previously required a very costly regime of ongoing inspections and maintenance work that was not sustainable in the long term.
Alongside this, we had our Cinema projectors upgraded to be able to deliver an enhanced experience, a draught lobby installed in the foyer to aid energy efficiency, our disabled and ladies’ toilets refurbished and updates made to our Café and Bar.
Was Dorking Halls completely closed?
Dorking Halls, including the Café & Bar, was out of use during the 2024 closure. However, we were still able to offer a special summer programme of events including Plays In The Park and a Family Fun Day in Meadowbank Park, Comedy Clubs in the Green Room Theatre and Pippbrook House, theatre trips and children’s workshops. Our Box Office was set up over the road in the reception of the council offices, Pippbrook, to help with all bookings and enquiries and are now reinstated in the Halls to welcome you.
Have another question?
This page will be regularly updated with the most recent information on our planned refurbishment. If we haven’t been able to answer your question, please call our Box Office on 01306 881717 or email dhfeedback@molevalley.gov.uk and your enquiry will be passed to the relevant person.
