Newsletter - Sun 30 Apr, 2023
Still no date for Junction 8 upgrade project
National Highways is still unable to give a date when it might start its project to upgrade Reigate’s junction with the M25.
The scheme includes a longer anti-clockwise slip road off the motorway, upgraded traffic lights, an extra lane on the north side of the roundabout, and alterations to the lanes that come south down Reigate Hill.
The plans have been around for several years, and the National Highways project page, dated December 2019, refers to construction lasting “From April 2021 to July 2022”.
A National Highways spokesperson told reigate.uk earlier this week:
“The improvement scheme for M25 Junction 8 is still being considered. We cannot give a date for construction, as M25 Jct 8 has to be considered alongside other locations on our roads in the south east, including those which have a greater need for improvement.
“We know there is strong local support for improvements, and we will continue to look what can be done at M25 Junction 8, alongside the other priorities that we have.”
The project aims to improve congestion and improve journey time reliability, with the project page (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) saying: “The signal-controlled junction is now operating above its design capacity which leads to traffic queues during peak hours, especially on the A217 and M25 eastbound off-slip.”
As well as improvements on the roundabout itself, the road layout that leads down off it, on to Reigate Hill, will be realigned: two lanes southbound will merge just before the Wray Lane junction, with a slip lane created towards Merstham / Gatton Bottom.
Upgrade for Reigate Fire Station
Surrey County Council's cabinet has approved a project to part-demolish and rebuild the fire station at Wray Park, Reigate.
The re-design means the new station will be able to house larger fire appliances that Surrey Fire & Rescue uses, and allow routine maintenance to be carried out under cover.
Other changes include improved breathing apparatus, gym, parking and welfare facilities, along with a community space for engaging with the public.
Solar panels, green roofs and electric vehicle charging will support Surrey's 'greener futures' agenda.
Facilities will also be improved for South East Coast Ambulance Service who co-locate at the site.
There'll be a consultation and planning process. Subject to planning approval, the county council has said (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) the work is due to start in spring 2025 and finish in mid-2026.
Mishiko becomes the Ivory Lounge
Nightclub Mishiko, at 39-41 Church Street, Reigate, is now the Ivory Lounge.
Mishiko has said (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) "it's been a blast but it's time for new management and a new concept".
That new concept is described on the Ivory Lounge Instagram page (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) as "non-stop live music where you choose the soundtrack to the night.
"There will be great cocktails, lots of insta-worthy moments and a real feel-good atmosphere."
Another post adds: "The venue has undergone a full refurbishment with the main focus being on the dance floor, stage and table areas.
"There's now .. even more room and more bookable seating with an open-plan layout meaning no matter where you are you won't miss any of the action."
Opening hours run to 2am, on Fridays and Saturdays, according to the Ivory Lounge website (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre).
More time to enter Reigate Tunnel art competition
Reigate Business Guild has extended the deadline for entries in its art competition, which will form part of its celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the opening of the tunnel.
The deadline for entries is now Sunday 7 May.
Selected entries will be displayed in the tunnel between June and September: more details, including rules and entry, are on the guild's website (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre).
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