Sutton Council has granted planning permission to a redevelopment scheme in the northern part of Sutton Town Centre which will transform the site of the Sutton Gas Holders and adjoining land.
On 23 January 2014 planning permission was confirmed for the proposals put forward by LXB Retail Properties PLC to develop four separate blocks comprising 186 residential units above nine commercial units at ground floor in the eastern part of the site. Under the plans there will also be a new 12,221sqm Sainsbury’s supermarket.
The plans were approved by Sutton Council’s Development Control Committee on 18 December 2013 but the council had to consult the Greater London Authority and the National Planning Casework Unit to ensure they agreed with the decision.
The plans will create the equivalent of 463 new full time jobs for different skill levels along with 209 full time jobs during the course of the construction.
In additional, there will be a new large public square in the south-eastern corner of the site which would include seating areas, public art and water features along with raised planters and tree planting.
The proposal will involve demolishing all the existing buildings on the six acre site, which are owned by LXB; they are Zurich House, Dex, Sovereign, Centrelink House and Magnet. It will also involve removing the gas holders which have long been a blot on the north end of the town centre.
Progress on this complex scheme has been made as a result of partnership working between the developer, the Greater London Authority, the local community, ward members and the Council.
Councillor Jayne McCoy, Chair of the Housing, Economy and Business Committee, said:
“This redevelopment scheme will lead to the regeneration of the northern part of the Town Centre and the surrounding area. The land will have multiple uses, so it will not only create employment opportunities, but it will provide high quality housing and attract new businesses to Sutton.
“We will work with partners to ensure that the project is successful, and we are committed to ensuring that local residents are consulted and involved at every step.
“Even during these challenging economic times, Sutton is very much open for business, and we are committed to encouraging positive developments like this one that will help our borough continue to thrive.”
Giles Haywood, Development Surveyor from the developer LXB, said:
“We are delighted there has been so much support for our plans and that they are now approved. The scheme will represent a £50m inward investment into Sutton Town Centre and will create a fantastic new place for people to meet, live, work and shop. The intention is to start demolition and initial site preparation works this spring with completion in early 2016. We look forward to continuing to work with Sutton Council, the local community and interested parties in the coming months.”