What's happening in Farnham town centre?
Roadworks started in the town centre in February 2025. They will last for approximately two years.
The works will deliver:
- Wider pavements, wherever possible, will give more space for shoppers.
- New planting, paving and seating, so people can choose to stop and enjoy the town for longer.
- Dedicated loading bays to support local retailers and reduce congestion.
- Pedestrian controlled crossings and raised tables will make it safer to cross roads.
- Two-way traffic at the bottom of Downing Street and on The Borough west of Castle Street to keep the town moving.
- Two new bus shelters with real-time passenger information and level boarding areas.
- Advanced stop lines and more parking for people who cycle.
- Sustainable drainage to make the town centre more resilient to heavy rain
Please see the Farnham town centre improvements draft illustrative plan (PDF) for an overview of the changes.
with our chatbot to find out where we’re currently working in Farnham, tips on how to get around, latest Farnham events, or ask a question about the scheme. Alternatively, you can text ‘Hello Farnham 3’ to 07411 188418
Works phases
Please see the Farnham town centre construction plan (PDF) for an overview of the phases.
Downing Street has closed to through-traffic north of Lower Church Lane . This is for safety reasons during the works. Additional teams are installing new crossing points, loading bays, greening, seating and cycle stands Vehicular access will be maintained for residents, deliveries and emergencies. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times. Shops will remain open as usual and access to them will be maintained during their normal opening hours.
This semi-pedestrianisation is a temporary change and the road will reopen to traffic on 1 November for the pre-Christmas period. Works will resume in January, but it is expected that Downing Street will not need to close again.
If you usually drive along Downing Street, please check travel apps such as Google Maps or Waze before setting off to find the best route to your destination.
The official northbound diversion will take drivers at the bottom of Downing Street along Longbridge and Firgrove Hill to Approach Road, and then Station Approach to Hickley’s Corner. Then take the A31 Farnham bypass eastbound to the Shepherd and Flock roundabout and take the A325 north continuing onto Upper Hale Road. Then take a left onto Folly Hill and following the road from Castle Hill to Castle Street.
Bus services which use Downing Street are being diverted - for details please see the or visit the changes to bus services page. But please note The Borough bus stop (Stop A) will temporarily move to the other side of the Castle Street junction – outside the former Jack and Alice restaurant.
What do I need to do?
If you are the owner or manager of a business located on Downing Street or Church Lanes, we will work with you to accommodate your deliveries.
If you park on or off Lower, Middle or Upper Church Lanes, or Vicarage Lane:
- you will be able to access your property by vehicle as normal at all times
- to exit during working hours (7.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 12.30pm on Saturdays), the site team will walk you through the work area
- to exit out of these hours, you will be able to drive southbound along Downing Street at walking speed.
If you park on Downing Street:
- to access or exit during working hours (7.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 12.30pm on Saturdays), the site team will walk you through the work area
- to access and exit out of these hours, you will be able to drive along Downing Street at walking speed.
If you're travelling to schools:
- St Andrew’s Infant School: Use Waggon Yard car park via the new two-way section or Farnham Maltings car park (charges apply).
- Potters Gate Primary School: From north Farnham: Turn right from Castle Street onto West Street; from west Farnham: From South Street, turn right onto A31 Farnham Bypass to Coxbridge roundabout, third exit onto West Street; from south Farnham: Travel via Wrecclesham to Coxbridge roundabout, take second exit onto West Street.
- Weydon and St Peter’s schools: From central/north Farnham, use West Street to Coxbridge roundabout and continue into Wrecclesham.
- Badshot Lea and Hale Schools: Follow the official diversion route if travelling between north and south Farnham.
Downing Street between Lower Church Lane and Longbridge junction
The lower section of Downing Street (between Longbridge junction and Lower Church Lane) is permanently open to two-way traffic.
That means if you usually park in Waggon Yard car park you’ll be able to exit the car park by driving east along the bottom of Downing Street, through the Longbridge junction and travel to south Farnham without driving around the town centre.
To view the changes to the roads during the Downing Street closure, see : Downing Street closure - route changes (PDF).
Pavement and resurfacing work will take place in November and December in South Street and Union Road, which will include minor daytime works and overnight resurfacing and repairs. This has been scheduled so work can continue but with minimal impact on the town centre in the lead up to Christmas. More information will be circulated nearer the time to affected residents and businesses.
- Victoria Road, expected spring 2026
- Castle Street from Park Row to The Borough, expected spring 2026
- The Borough from Castle Street to Royal Deer junction, expected summer 2026
- Royal Deer Junction, expected autumn 2026
- The Borough (Castle Street to West Street) - completed in February 2025. These works allowed a right turn at the bottom of Castle Street and two-way traffic on The Borough between Castle Street and West Street, which is important to keep the town moving during the works. This is a temporary layout, which be made permanent later in the project. The works included the removal of the traffic islands at the top of Downing Street. Temporary traffic lights will remain in place until permanent lights are installed.
- Improvements to the bottom of Downing Street, which will allow two way traffic after the completion of phase four. It will mean cars will be able to access and exit Waggon Yard car park without needing to travel around the gyratory.
Travelling around Farnham
Please continue to visit Farnham town centre and support local businesses during the roadworks. For a smoother journey around the town:
- Check your route before you travel using apps like Google Maps or Waze.
- Avoid congestion in the town centre and gyratory system during peak times by walking or cycling if possible. Cyclists may still use Downing Street but should dismount at the junction with Upper Church Lane.
- If you are driving to visit Farnham, please consider using car parks which do not require driving around the gyratory and walking the short distance into the town centre if you are able to. This helps avoid congestion and reduces traffic for other road users who need to park close to their destination.
Please see the Farnham car park driving routes (PDF) for the different routes drivers can take to car parks with avoid or minimise use of the gyratory, and Farnham town centre walking routes (PDF) for ways to walk from those car parks to the town centre.
- If you are travelling from the north or east, please use the Riverside car parks. You could use the newly reopened Riverside Walk if heading for the town centre.
- If you are travelling from the west, please use the Lower Hart or Upper Hart car parks.
- If you are travelling from the south, please use the Farnham Maltings or Station car parks.
For changes to bus services, please see the or visit the changes to bus services page. Please note that you can also use the ßÙßÇÂþ» Connect on-demand bus service.
If you are in congestion, please consider turning off your engine.
The Farnham Cycle Campaign is running a ‘give it a go’ campaign to help people to cycle more - .
Key information
- .
- View the Farnham town centre improvements draft illustrative plan (PDF).
- Visit the Farnham town centre frequently asked questions page.
Keep in touch
Please send questions about the town centre roadworks to farnham.infrastructureprogramme@surreycc.gov.uk.
Find out how to report highways issues, including in an emergency.
We are now holding regular virtual drop-in session for businesses in Farnham town centre about the town centre improvement works. It is an opportunity meet with representatives from the ßÙßÇÂþ» project team and works contractor Ringway to ask questions or raise any concerns.
To be sent the meeting invite, please email farnham.infrastructureprogramme@surreycc.gov.uk with the name and address of your business.
Files available to download
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Farnham town centre improvements draft illustrative plan (PDF)
Map of Farnham town centre which shows where proposed changes will be made, which are part of a traffic regulation order consultation. -
Farnham town centre construction plan 2025 (PDF)
An overview of the different phases, locations and timings of roadworks expected in Farnham town centre during 2025. -
Farnham car park driving routes (PDF)
A map of routes which take drivers to Farnham town centre car parks which minimise use of the gyratory for reliable journeys which minimise congestion -
Farnham town centre walking routes (PDF)
A map of walking routes in Farnham to help drivers park further out of the town centre to avoid congestion and still get quickly to shops and restaurants -
Downing Street closure - route changes (PDF)
A map of Farnham town centre showing the closed road and the routes available for traffic during the closure of Downing Street