Mar 2024
Our presence in Dorking has roots spanning back as far as 1836, but we wouldn't have survived this long without changing with the times and the decades (and centuries!) have certainly given us plenty of that.
We've been in the town for many years providing services to the local businesses, residents and the community - but our building and garden are of huge historical importance - and hugely under-utilised. So, to mark our success within the Dorking community, we can exclusively reveal some of the exciting plans we've been working on and we can't wait to show you around.
Our office is a listed building which carries with it all the charm of times gone by.
There's the architectural treasures like the cantilever staircase and cornices which have been thoughtfully included in more modern visions of the new design of our office.
For those who frequent Dorking's bustling High Street, the transformation adjacent to 156 High Street has been a topic of curiosity. Today, Downs Solicitors is pleased to announce the forthcoming debut of their newly renovated reception and meeting space within the former Oddbins building. Scheduled to open its doors in mid-April, this development represents a significant step forward for Downs Solicitors in enhancing accessibility and client experience.
We really value that experience and our office plays an important role within that - especially as such an incredible piece of history.
Not only is our office an authentic, pleasant working environment, we're lucky enough to also have a beautiful garden too with its own story to tell. It's often been described as "Dorking's secret garden" and a "private paradise" - and if you've ever paid a visit you'll see why!
It's a walled garden, which gives it a feeling of sanctuary that you might find hidden in the pages of any children's story book, but it's the large, 100-year old wisteria that is guarding the furthest wall that is a true sight to behold - and when it's in flower it is absolutely stunning. There’s also the fish pond and long walkways, making it an attractive, quiet recess to spend time.
So our challenge was: how can we embrace the past, preserve it, but move forward to reflect a sector that is progressive, modern and changing with our clients’ needs?
We are working with Dorking Museum, the Augmented Society Network and the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) on a Heritage, peeling back the layers that saw the garden being restored to it's former glory - and better utilise approximately 300m2 of outdoor space.
It is being transformed to become an outdoor extension of the office so that meetings can be held in the fresh air, and the plan is that all can be welcome to our outside space.
It really is a slice of solitude among the bustling high street happening just yards away beyond the walls.
These transformations have really marked the times of change for solicitors firms - and for society in general. Workplaces are doing more to encourage down time, a work/life balance and adaptability - and our firm is no different.
We'd like to thank everyone who has been involved in the project - from the teams at Downs and all at Dorking Museum and the RSA to the volunteers who selflessly gave their time to lovingly restore the gardens for the community.
We'll be revealing all at our launch event during May, where you can join us at a number of different events. Keep an eye on our website and social pages for more on that coming soon.
In the meantime, we're still here ready and waiting to help you with any legal advice or support you may need.
