About the team
The people behind the project
We are a small group of people, mostly Watercolour residents, two councillors for Reigate & Banstead, and a member of Merstham Hub. Some of us are also Trustees of the charity behind this project.
​
We are all volunteers, dedicating time to build this initiative from the ground up between work & family commitment, motivated by a strong desire to give something to Watercolour that will last for many years to come.
​
We are grateful also to residents who were with us at the very start, and who laid the foundations for the current group.
About the project
How it all started
The project started in 2019 on the back of an attempt to influence Linden's plans for what's now Carrington Place, and the efforts soon focused on pursuing a long promised community space. Here some highlights of this incredible journey:
​
​
2019
Several objections to the original planning application were logged by residents, and a petition to consider key amendments was signed by 183 of them, some of whom attended Planning Committee meetings at Reigate Town Hall, engaging with Councillors and Planning Officers.
​
​
2020
A first speech highlighting concerns and presenting suggestions was given to the Planning Committee. Engagement with residents started on the local Facebook group, and with the support of the nearby Merstham Hub a realistic vision for the space started taking shape. Weekly meetings with a core group of residents started defining the project, and the first ever layout of the space saw the light of day!
​
​
2021
Two further speeches were given to the Planning Committee.
The first ever £500 grant was used to create our current logo and engage with residents further. Our Facebook page made its appearance, and Linden started building Corfe House, which now houses the community space.
​
​
2022
We engaged with MH Architects to co-create the best layout. Corfe House was completed, and our Facebook group reached 150 members!
​
​
2023
We achieved the status of registered charity, opened a bank account, bid & received grants which enabled us to appoint a contractor and start the fit-out works, engaged with a solicitor to shape the lease agreement, and appointed an accountant. A first public Meet & Greet was held to present the project to residents.
​
​
2024
We completed on the lease, concluded the fit-out works, and opened for business!
