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by Richard Excell
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The Horton Arts Centre: A Story of Transformation and Community
Nestled in the heart of Epsom, The Horton Arts Centre stands as a testament to vision, perseverance, and community spirit. Once the chapel of the former Horton Asylum, this remarkable space has been transformed into a vibrant cultural hub, breathing new life into a building steeped in history.
A Historic Beginning
The Horton chapel, now the performance space of The Horton Arts Centre, has a fascinating past. Originally built as part of Horton Hospital, one of five asylums established in Epsom in the early 20th century, it played a vital role in the town’s transformation. At the time, 10,000 patients were relocated from East London to Epsom, significantly altering the town’s demographics and cultural landscape. In 1955, the chapel took on a new purpose, becoming Europe’s first music therapy centre, pioneering the therapeutic benefits of music in mental health care.
Maria Reeves, Director of The Horton, reflects on its past: “It’s got a really fascinating history. This is the former Horton Asylum chapel. It was the first music therapy centre in Europe, which is really quite incredible.”
The Horton Arts Centre – A Vision is Born
Fast forward to 2015, when a group of like-minded individuals, including Maria Reeves, sought to address the lack of creative spaces in Epsom. This led to the formation of a charity dedicated to establishing an arts centre or festival. Finding an appropriate venue proved challenging, but then Horton Chapel was suggested. At the time, the building had been abandoned for 40 years, boarded up, and in a state of severe disrepair. Initially, the idea of restoring it seemed ambitious, even improbable.
“We did a little bit more research and found this abandoned building. It had been locked up for 40 years, completely boarded up and inaccessible, and it seemed a bit of a stretch, to be honest,” recalls Reeves.
However, research into its history and potential revealed a compelling case for preservation. The chapel was subject to restrictive covenants, allowing only community and health-related uses. Without intervention, it risked falling victim to landbanking and eventual demolition, like the other four asylum chapels in the area. Determined to save it, the charity began lobbying the council, who had struggled to find a sustainable use for the building. After much persistence, access was granted, and the team saw its potential firsthand. “We came in and we just saw this amazing space, and there just seemed to be so much potential. The vision kind of was set at that point.”
Funding the Dream
The transformation of Horton Chapel into a thriving arts centre required significant funding. A breakthrough came with the discovery of £1.4 million in unallocated Section 106 funding—money contributed by developers for local community infrastructure. The council agreed to halt the sale of the building and invite community proposals. The charity conducted extensive research, visiting arts centres across the UK and formulating a business plan to ensure long-term viability.
In 2016, the council selected the charity as the preferred bidder, with one major condition: they had to match the £1.4 million funding. The National Heritage Lottery Fund became the primary target for additional financial support. The application process was arduous, requiring exhaustive documentation, from business plans to safeguarding policies. The first application was rejected due to budget concerns, prompting a revision that removed a mezzanine level intended for creative business incubators. In 2018, after resubmitting the bid, they finally secured the funding.
Overcoming Challenges
Work commenced in 2019, initially expected to take 18 months. However, numerous challenges arose, the most significant being the collapse of the building contractors. With 90% of the work completed, their sudden liquidation left the project in disarray. The new contractors inherited an incomplete project with no detailed records, leading to unforeseen complications. Basic utilities also posed issues—shockingly, the building was not connected to the main water supply, and its drainage system remained unlinked to the wider infrastructure. These setbacks caused delays, but the team remained resolute.
“There was never a moment that I personally thought this isn’t going to happen,” says Reeves. “I think a lot of other people many times thought this isn’t going to happen, but it just seemed that it was too good an opportunity and that there was always going to be a way around it.”
A Thriving Cultural Hub
Despite these obstacles, The Horton Arts Centre officially opened in 2022, quickly becoming a cornerstone of Epsom’s cultural scene. Entirely independent, it operates without core funding from the council or national arts organisations, sustaining itself through ticket sales, bar revenue, venue hire, and exhibitions. The centre offers a diverse programme, from performances to community projects, ensuring accessibility for all.
Mental health remains a key focus, honouring the site’s heritage. The centre actively seeks funding to support projects for vulnerable groups, reinforcing its role as both a cultural venue and a community sanctuary. Local businesses like Peacock & Co Solicitors have recognised its significance, contributing as charity partners to help sustain its initiatives.
“We want to do more projects for local people. Not everyone can afford to pay £20 for a ticket to come and see a show, and there are obviously lots of people who are vulnerable in our society, who we want to work with,” says Reeves. “We are particularly interested in mental health because of the history of who we are.”
The Future of The Horton
As the centre continues to grow, plans are underway to develop its gardens, providing additional outdoor space for visitors. “We’ve been doing some capital works in the gardens to put in an accessible path, and we’re hoping that’s going to open in the summer,” Reeves explains. Although currently closed on Sundays due to staffing constraints, future expansion may allow for extended opening hours.
For those who visit, the magic of The Horton lies in its ability to bring people together. Whether attending an event, exploring its heritage exhibition, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, visitors leave with a sense of connection—to history, to creativity, and to community. As Maria Reeves aptly puts it, “The best thing about The Horton is when it’s filled with people, and you can just feel the vibe.”
The Horton Arts Centre stands as a testament to what can be achieved through passion, perseverance, and a shared commitment to the arts. Its journey from an abandoned chapel to a thriving cultural hub is an inspiring story of transformation, proving that with vision and dedication, anything is possible.
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