Morden town centre regeneration gains Mayor’s Housing Zone status

· by · in Environment and Regeneration, Housing, More Morden, Regeneration. ·

Merton Council has successfully secured funding from the Greater London Authority to kick-start the regeneration of Morden town centre.

The town centre was given Housing Zone status yesterday (8 October) by the Mayor of London which will assist the development of over 1,000 new homes, 40% affordable, to play a key role in the regeneration of the area, which will also include new retail and business offers  and create new public spaces for the town.

The council is currently consulting with residents on the future of Morden town centre as it develops a draft masterplan to help shape how it will look.

Merton Council cabinet member for environmental sustainability and regeneration Councillor Andrew Judge said: “This is great news for Morden. We want to develop a plan for the town centre which will see it become a vibrant place where a lively business and social scene will grow over the next 15 years. Being one of London’s 20 Housing Zones will accelerate the delivery of this plan.  Ideally placed at the beginning of the Northern Line with great access to the capital, for too long Morden has been underplayed. We want Morden to offer opportunities for new homes and local jobs and we are committed to working with the local residents and businesses to shape Morden into the aspirational place it can and will be.”

ENDS

Notes to editor

  • The Greater London Authority will reserve funding of £42million which can be accessed by developers to assist with delivery of new homes at the heart of Morden town centre, including the Morden Station site.
  • In Morden, 1,070 new homes are forecast to be delivered in the Housing Zone with development starting in 2018-19 and taking place in phases over eight years. Development will be guided by a masterplan which will be produced between 2016 and 2017
  • Other benefits being sought include improving the public realm and streetscape, reconsidering the bus parking away from the station area and creating better public space.
  • The council is asking for feedback on Morden town centre to help guide the first stage of a masterplan. More information on www.merton.gov.uk/moremorden (until 11 November 2015)
  • The council and the Mayor of London are also starting investment in shopping parades on London Road to improve the look of the town centre when approached from Sutton.