Funding Lightbox Garden Project

Since opening in 2007, Lightbox Gallery & Museum has welcomed over 1.5 million visitors and won a place in the heart of Woking’ s community as a vital cultural hub for Surrey. Communities have enjoyed our acclaimed programme of exhibitions from Grayson Perry to Bridget Riley and our museum which celebrates Woking’s unique history.

Whilst we have won awards for the unique building designed by London Eye architect Marks Barfield, the courtyard garden was never fully realised and currently is tarmacked with uneven ground, strong winds, encroached by the canal bank with bracken, ivy and weeds. Over the last twenty years it has received committed maintenance by a team of volunteers who visit weekly and ensure it is a safe space for our community to use.

Funding is urgently required to work with our volunteers and community to transform the courtyard into a beautiful green space for everyone to enjoy, support well-being and sustain our living environment.

There is a significant opportunity to address the desire of our community who want to create a canal-side oasis that is environmentally sustainable, connects with our heritage, and is a unique community courtyard in Woking’s urban town-centre between Victoria Way, the historic Basingstoke canal and opposite the World Wildlife Fund's headquarters. 

As a charity we raise funds for everything that we do. We hope to work with our community to create a nurturing and accessible community garden in which to reconnect with nature, reduce stress, discover new ideas, relax, play and meet with friends and family.

We will work in collaboration with different communities to shape the garden design ensuring it meets a wide range of needs.

We will transform the harsh tarmacked courtyard and create a contemplative green oasis that will be

·         A celebration of Woking & Surrey’s acclaimed nursery heritage.

·         Supported by solar panels and an irrigation system

·         Connected to Woking’s greenway infrastructure.

·         Family Friendly with areas for creative play.

·         A sensory-friendly area for all, including those living with dementia

·         Biodiverse, encouraging wildlife.

·         Pollution and drought tolerant hardy planting

As a charity we rely on fundraising to support our work. The total cost of the project is proposed to be £159,000 and we are asking Your Fund Surrey for £90,000 towards the project.

Find out more and add your support for our proposal on 'Your Fund Surrey' Page and follow us on social media @thelightboxwoking