Latest consultation shows local support for £6m Mitcham regeneration plans

· by · in Consultations, Environment, Environment and Regeneration, Planning, Regeneration. ·

Proposals to regenerate Mitcham Town Centre have been given the green light by thousands of residents who took part in the second ‘Rediscover Mitcham’ consultation.

The results of the survey, made public this week, show that as with the first consultation in 2012, residents endorse the council’s vision and proposals and 70% of people are satisfied or very satisfied with the overall improvement scheme design.

For individual proposals, more than 60% of residents felt positive about all the council plans with 62% of people supporting the introduction of buses in London Road and Fair Green, 72% supporting a market canopy, 74% supporting a new boardwalk alongside Three Kings Pond and 73% supporting the proposed layout changes and landscaping to the Fair Green open space.

Rediscover Mitcham was the biggest ever town centre improvement consultation in Merton with almost 2500 responses over the two-part consultation. It is proposed now, that subject to agreement by the council, plans for the Fair Green and Three Kings Piece as part of Phase 1 of the works will proceed to technical design stage, to be completed by summer 2014. Phase 1 will see a range of measures such as a new market canopy, provision of a public toilet facility. relocated and restored Mitcham Clock Tower and a new water feature on the Fair Green. This will be complemented by new lighting, seating and redesigned green spaces.

The scheme in its entirety is due to be completed by the end of 2015 and complements the OneMitcham programme of market events, art installations and community empowerment; supported by the Mayor’s Outer London Fund.

Councillor Andrew Judge, Merton Council cabinet member for environmental sustainability and regeneration said:

“We are delighted with the vast support that has been shown for our plans for the second time running in this latest consultation. I’d like to thank everyone who took part for their feedback which has helped us develop the scheme along the way.

“This £6m investment in Mitcham will help create a safer, more accessible and attractive town centre for residents and visitors whilst also supporting local business and giving the area the much needed boost it needs.”