Lottery heritage trail lands in Surbiton

A grant over £40,000 is being handed out from the Heritage Lottery fund to trace Surbiton's history.  

The project will be run by staff and students from Hillcroft College, Kingston Council and NHS Kingston. 

The trail will evolve around the Oakhill part of the town, with the help of volunteers.

At first, Surbiton was a cluster of dwellings surrounding the station. 

It was the first major suburb linked by rail to central London.

Today, Surbiton boasts a population of more than 40,000.

Hillcroft College was one of the original mansions in Surbiton, originally built for the owners of the Bryant and May match company. 

It went on to become the site of the first college in the UK established for working women. 

The project will also trace the history of healthcare in the area because the nearby site of the former Surbiton Hospital is being redeveloped to provide a state-of-the-art community health centre. 

International artist Rana Begum will work with local volunteers and schoolchildren to create a permanent timeline to be installed along a new pedestrian and cycle paths.

Sue Bowers, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund London said: "This is an area with a rich history that has been largely overlooked but now aspects of its transport, education and health care heritage will be told thanks to a community effort involving volunteers of all ages."

People who are keen to get involved in the project as a volunteer are asked to contact OCHP@hillcroft.ac.uk and they will be sent further details.