home > what we do > raising standards > best practice > Woking lightbox

Woking Lightbox

Woking residents had long desired a museum and gallery of their own. Thanks to community and council support the Lightbox opened in September 2007 in a stunning new building that reflects the sustainable ethos of Woking Council – the most energy-efficient local authority in the UK.

The Lightbox has already won accolades, scooping the Art Fund Prize for museums and galleries in 2008, along with a number of other awards. The Art Fund called the Lightbox “A genuine example of grass roots action,” adding: “The museum was initiated by local people – The Lightbox mixes local history, the visual arts and inspiring architecture.”

Visitors to the Lightbox concur, with one saying, “The council must be congratulated on a modest design which is placed in a convenient town centre location. Great planning has gone into it.”

From the designers of the London Eye

Although hopes to take over an existing building were unfulfilled, the opportunity to start from scratch has resulted in an exhibition space which sits perfectly within the town’s green credentials. Following an international competition, Marks Barfield Architects, creators of the London Eye, won the job of designing the space.

Partnership with Woking Borough Council was a critical factor in the successful realisation of the project. The council donated the site and provided funding towards development and construction.

Dedicated to community engagement

A thorough process of local engagement has ensured that the Lightbox meets the community’s needs. The ongoing involvement of the local Woking communities has been and continues to be of vital importance.

“Keeping the community engaged is well worth the work and you must be prepared to follow through,” said Lightbox Director Marilyn Wall. “Once the dialogue is open it must be continued to ensure that community trust is held. Taking the trouble to make sure that you deliver what you promise and say you will do is important.”

The positive impact on the community is demonstrated by the number of visitors to the Lightbox. There have been more than 100,000 since September 2007 which is double the anticipated target. Their positive responses are captured through a variety of survey techniques.

Contributions to sustainable development

Woking Borough Council is committed to sustainable development in all its aspects and Woking is also a committed fair trade town. The Lightbox café uses local produce from local suppliers in order to uphold this principle.

Director Marilyn Wall said, “You must be committed to cross all kinds of ways that you can be sustainable, both with regard to the bigger picture and with the smaller things. Be prepared to take on different suppliers and ways of doing things. And ensure that you fit the bill operationally, in the way energy is consumed and materials are recycled, for example. A building is a good start but is not the end of the story.”

The museum and gallery is located near the train station and provides ample cycle racks for visitors. It is also possible to arrive by boat.

For more detailed information on the Lightbox, Woking, please visit the case study section on the MLA research website.