At a meeting of the Full Council this week, Epsom & Ewell Borough 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. The council has commissioned a Best Value Feasibility Study to explore the site's development potential.

The council has used the Sports England (Active Environments) Consultancy Framework to select the consultant to carry out the study. The final report will be presented back to the Strategy and Resources Committee before 31 March 2027. This work is being funded by the previously agreed Corporate Projects Reserve: however, any subsequent decision to move ahead with development would need to be supported by a robust business case and be subject to approval by the new East Surrey authority.

Councillor Hannah Dalton, Leader of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, said: “It is vital that residents and those who work in Epsom & Ewell have access to high-quality sports and recreation facilities close to where they live and work. Currently, this is not always the case, and some local sports teams must travel outside the borough to train and play, which can make it more difficult for people to take part. As part of their work, the consultant will engage with key stakeholders, including local sports groups, to consider how the site could meet their needs in the future.

We also recognise the need to deliver much-needed housing, including affordable homes.

By making this a strategic priority, we can focus on exploring the potential of Hook Road Arena and assess whether a mixed-use development is financially viable. If the site proves viable, this work will provide the evidence needed to develop a robust business case that will inform a recommendation to the new East Surrey Council for consideration in 2027."

The Hook Road Arena priority is added to the seven strategic priorities agreed by the Council in May 2025, replacing its Four-Year Plan in light of Local Government Reorganisation: Corporate plan and strategies | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council.