Waverley Borough Council is taking decisive action to address serious structural defects at Willmer House, Farnham’s Grade I listed heritage building and home to the Museum of Farnham. Following extensive investigations, it has become clear that the building’s condition is significantly worse than previously understood, with urgent repairs now required to the timber roof structure, rear brickwork, and chimneys.
Earlier this year, the council secured vital funding from Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore the historic front façade. However, during the course of these works, the removal of the parapet wall exposed extensive wet rot and insect decay in the roof timbers, revealing a critical loss of structural integrity. A recent inspection by conservation specialists confirmed that immediate repairs are essential to prevent further deterioration and ensure public safety.
Leader of Waverley Borough Council, Councillor Paul Follows, said:
“We understand concerns about rising costs, but this is not a case of mission creep; it’s a necessary response to a long-standing and serious structural failure that has been steadily worsening over several decades. As custodians of a Grade I listed building, we have a legal and moral duty to act. Without our intervention, enabled by external funding, these deeper issues would have remained hidden and unaddressed.”
The council is reallocating £60,500 from its capital programme to fund scaffolding and a condition survey of the rear elevation, where loose masonry poses a health and safety risk. A further £610,248 is being sought from capital receipts to carry out urgent timber roof repairs during the winter shutdown. This will minimise disruption, allow the same scaffolding to be used for all the required works, and avoid further costly delays.
Waverley Borough Council is urging other local stakeholders to take an active role in shaping the future of Willmer House. The council remains committed to completing the brickwork repairs and ensuring the building’s long-term viability but stresses that with the creation of a new unitary authority on the horizon, broader collaboration with local partners will be key to ensuring the building’s long-term future as a community asset for the people of Farnham.
Waverley Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Community Services, Leisure and EDI, Councillor Kika Mirylees, added:
“Willmer House is a treasured part of Farnham’s heritage. Our officers have done an amazing job to secure funding and deliver the front façade restoration, but the scale of the issues now means we simply can’t do it all on our own. We’re seeking support from Farnham Town Council and the wider community to get involved to help protect this landmark for future generations - whether through fundraising, advocacy, or exploring new models of ownership.”
The council has been running a Buy a Brick campaign since April giving people the opportunity to donate money to the project. You can read more by visiting our website: Buy a Brick Campaign | Waverley Borough Council. You can also donate in person at the Museum.