Community Asset Transfer scheme empowering local clubs
Significant progress is being made on the Community Asset Transfer (CAT) programme for the borough’s pavilions, paving the way for local clubs to take on full management responsibilities from April 2026.
The programme is designed to strengthen community ownership and ensure the long-term sustainability of these much-valued facilities.
Most sites are moving towards lease agreements, with several clubs already signing Heads of Terms and others finalising negotiations or developing business cases. This marks a major step forward in creating stronger community connections and safeguarding these facilities.
From 1 December 2025, pavilions with clubs participating in the CAT scheme will take on the day-to-day management and booking process for pavilion use and associated pitches whilst leases are being finalised to ensure continuity for users.
Leases are due to commence from 1 April 2026 when clubs will assume full responsibility for each pavilion, with the exception of those involved in the Football Foundation’s Home Advantage Programme, which will continue under hire agreements for the time being.
Waterers Park remains under review, with options being explored to secure its future use, including potential commercial sports opportunities alongside protected community access.
Cllr Ellen Nicholson, Woking Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Leisure, said:
I am delighted to see real progress on the pavilion transfer programme. This is a big step towards empowering local clubs to take ownership of their facilities, creating stronger community connections and ensuring these spaces thrive long into the future.
Progress has also been made on transferring management of the borough’s Centres for the Community. St Mary’s in Byfleet was successfully transferred under lease to Regenerate Rise on 1 September 2025, and The Vyne in Knaphill followed with Dramatize formally taking over on 1 November 2025.
The remaining centres, Maybury Centre, Moorcroft in Westfield and Parkview in Sheerwater, are currently under council management with a new round of expressions of interest in 2026.
To find out more information, go to the Community Asset Transfer scheme.
Pavilion and Centres for the Community update
| Pavilion location | Community group | Stage of transfer |
| St Peter’s Recreation Ground, Old Woking | Goldsworth Park Rangers FC | Lease to be signed. |
| Byfleet Recreation Ground | Woking Rugby Club | Lease in draft. |
|
Brookwood Country Park, Knaphill
|
Knaphill FC | Lease in draft. |
| Woking Park, KIngfield | Woking Park Tennis |
Lease in draft.
|
| Alpha Road Recreation Ground, Maybury | Woking Tigers | Lease in draft. |
| Kingshead Lane, Byfleet | Byfleet Village FC | Agree Heads of Terms. |
| Sheets Heath, Mayford | Meadow Sports FC and Woking and Horsell CC joint bid | Agree Heads of Terms. |
| Goldsworth Park Recreation Ground | Goldsworth Park Rangers FC | Lease commencing 26/27 through FA Home Advantage Programme. Interim hire agreement in place. |
| Brookwood Farm Recreation Ground, Knaphill | Woking Cougars FC | Lease commencing 26/27 through FA Home Advantage Programme. Interim hire agreement in place. |
| Wheatsheaf Recreation Ground, Horsell | Woking Cougars FC | Lease commencing 27/28 through FA Home Advantage Programme. Interim hire agreement in place. |
| West Byfleet Recreation Ground | Business case review. | |
| Vyne Fields, Knaphill | Business case submission and review January 2026. | |
| Waterers Park, Knaphill | No interest. Considering alternative options. |
| Centre for the Community | Community group | Stage of transfer |
| The Vyne, Knaphill | Dramatize | Completed – operational from 1 November 2025. |
| St Mary’s, Byfleet | Regenerate Rise | Completed – operational from 1 September 2025. |
| Moorcroft, Westfield | No interest – new round of expressions of interest in early 2026. | |
| Parkview, Sheerwater | No interest – new round of expressions of interest in early 2026. | |
| Maybury Centre, Maybury | Expression of interest in 2026 |