1. What has been announced?
Dorking Wanderers F.C. and Surrey FA have reached an agreement in principle for Dorking Wanderers to take on the leasehold of Meadowbank Stadium, subject to final contracts and approval from Mole Valley District Council.
2. Is Meadowbank Stadium being sold?
No. The announcement relates to the leasehold of the football facility, and not ownership of the wider site. Mole Valley District Council would retain the freehold ownership of the entire site.
3. Why has this proposal been put forward?
Dorking Wanderers F.C. and Surrey FA believe this is the right next step for Meadowbank Stadium. Surrey FA has played a major role in developing the site into one of Surrey’s leading football facilities, and Dorking Wanderers is well placed to continue investing in and managing the football venue for the benefit of the sport and the wider community.
4. Would Meadowbank still be a community facility?
Yes. Maintaining Meadowbank Stadium as a community asset is a central part of Dorking Wanderers’ (& Surrey FA’s) plans. The stadium would continue to support grassroots football, youth football, community groups, schools and local organisations, alongside the Club’s activities. Protecting community uses would be a requirement of Mole Valley District Council in granting a new lease to Dorking Wanderers FC.
5. Would local football clubs still be able to use the facilities?
Yes. Existing users would not expect any changes to their access arrangements. Dorking Wanderers F.C. is fully committed to supporting, and is reliant upon, local football and working with clubs across the area.
6. Would community access be reduced?
No, the objective would be to protect and enhance community use of the site. Dorking Wanderers F.C. recognises Meadowbank Stadium’s importance to local residents and community organisations and wants to see the facilities used by as many people as possible.
7. Would Surrey FA still be based at Meadowbank?
Yes. Surrey FA would continue to operate from its Meadowbank offices, maintaining a strong working relationship with Dorking Wanderers F.C..
8. What would this mean for grassroots football?
A core principle behind the proposal would be to strengthen grassroots football. Surrey FA would be able to reinvest proceeds into football development across Surrey, while Dorking Wanderers F.C. would continue investing in Meadowbank’s facilities and football programmes.
9. Would the stadium become exclusive to Dorking Wanderers?
No. While Meadowbank remains the home of Dorking Wanderers F.C., the Club recognises that the facility serves a much wider community and is fully focussed on continuing to support a broad range of users.
10. What about the 3G pitches and training facilities?
Dorking Wanderers is fully committed to these facilities continuing to support football participation across all ages and abilities. Existing bookings and arrangements would continue as normal.
11. What would this mean for local schools and community groups?
Dorking Wanderers F.C. values the role Meadowbank Stadium plays in supporting schools, charities and community organisations. The Club would intend to continue developing these relationships and exploring opportunities to increase community participation.
12. What would happen to existing tenants and businesses operating on the site?
There are no changes being proposed. The soft play and café would remain under the freehold ownership of Mole Valley District Council. Existing occupiers and partners remain valued members of the Meadowbank community.
13. What benefits could this bring to the local area?
DWFC will build on the work done by Surrey FA to provide opportunities in the local community. DWFC will continue to invest in facilities, support local football participation, strengthen the local economy through visitors, events which will ensure the stadium remains a vibrant community hub.
14. Has this proposal been agreed?
No. The agreement would be subject to Mole Valley District Council approval and the completion of legal contracts. Further updates will be provided as the process progresses.
15. How can I ask questions or provide feedback?
Residents, users and community organisations are encouraged to contact Surrey FA and / or Dorking Wanderers directly. Both parties are committed to maintaining open communication and working with local stakeholders over the coming weeks and months as next steps in this process continue.
For further information please visit info@dorkingwanderers.com or info@surreyfa.com.
16. What happens if the council does not approve the proposal?
DWFC, SFA and MVDC would review the reasons for this outcome and consider alternative options to move forward.
Key Message
The aim of Dorking Wanderers’ and Surrey F.A.’s proposal for Dorking Wanderers to take on the leasehold of Meadowbank Stadium is to continue the work of Surrey FA in developing the long term sustainability of the stadium protect community use, support grassroots football and enable continued investment in one of Surrey’s most important football facilities.