Merton Council’s town centre project, ‘Morden Court Parade’ has been shortlisted for a prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects Journal Award.
The shortlisting for urban renewal comes just weeks after the announcement that Transport for London (TfL), a major landowner in the town centre, will be a key partner in the regeneration of Morden Town Centre. The Morden Retail Gateway project is part of the council’s town centre vision to improve and expand the retail offer, increase business space to support more jobs as well as create a new and improved bus infrastructure, more homes – including affordable homes and improved public space.
The refurbishment of the Morden Court Parade in London Road is part of the council’s Morden Retail Gateway project. Supported by the Mayor of London the project included a new borough-wide shopfront design guide, which is being implemented in shopping parade improvements across Merton and conversion of a disused bank premises into an exhibition, event and performance hub. Improvements to nearly 40 retail premises comprised extensive conservation works to Morden Court Parade. Significant improvements to lighting, branding, signage and shop frontages transformed the impressive art-deco building that marks the entrance to Morden town centre.
Merton Council’s Cabinet Member for regeneration, environment and housing Councillor Martin Whelton said: “We are delighted that the Royal Institute of British Architects Journal has shortlisted Morden Court Parade for this award. The project is just part of the exciting regeneration of the town centre, enabling us to rejuvenate this shopping parade and transform the art-deco building which is a key part of Morden’s heritage.
As a council we are committed to improving and regenerating the town centre which will complement our beautiful parks and open spaces, fantastic schools and the new Morden swimming pool which is opening later this year. With regeneration comes job opportunities and improved local economy, bridging the gap within communities and making it a place where people want to live work and lean. I would like to thank the design team; a partnership of our FutureMerton team and Jan Kattein Architects who worked closely with business and land owners to produce these striking results.”