Sutton Council unveils plan to redevelop the St Nicholas Centre

Sutton Council is set to consider proposals for the future of the St Nicholas Centre, which it bought last year. 

The proposals, which will be discussed by the Council’s Strategy and Resources Committee on Monday 7 November, would see the shopping centre replaced with:

• High-quality retail, leisure and restaurant space for new and existing businesses

• Modern library, college and community hub facilities 

• New affordable homes for the community

The redevelopment is part of the Council’s wider plans to continue to transform Sutton High Street into a vibrant town centre that celebrates the borough’s heritage alongside modern community spaces, more green open spaces, an exciting arts and cultural scene, and a thriving local economy. 

The announcement comes after more than 2000 local people shared their views in a recent survey, calling for the town centre to increase its retail offering with a mix of independent and chain stores; demands for more arts, culture and leisure facilities; green spaces; and better access to public services.

The Council’s proposals build on projects already being delivered as part of its town centre masterplan, including the new Throwley Yard cinema and community arts venue and the Oru Sutton co-working and wellbeing space for new businesses. 

The proposals also include relocating the Council’s main offices to a smaller, modern building on the high street that will bring Council services to residents at the heart of the town centre, helping to deliver an expected savings of more than £1m every year, as well as reducing the Council’s carbon footprint.    

The existing Civic Centre site - which includes the Council’s offices, Sutton Central Library,  Sutton College, Gibson Road Car Park and the disused Secombe Theatre - will be sold and could be used for much-needed affordable housing for local residents. 

Councillor Ruth Dombey, Leader of Sutton Council, said:

Since we bought the St Nicholas Centre, we've been carefully considering our options and what will bring the biggest benefits to our borough. This includes speaking to our residents and businesses about what they want for the future of our high street, and I believe these proposals respond to those views. 

“By redeveloping, we'll secure a bright future for our much-loved historic high street while creating a town centre that’s fit for the future and that reflects the community we are today. 

“Alongside the London Cancer Hub in Belmont, the town centre will cement Sutton’s reputation as a great place to live, work, spend time and do business. 

“We’ll be working closely with the local community, including our brilliant town centre businesses, as our ambitious plans progress. I look forward to sharing information about how everyone can get involved.”

Councillors will consider the proposals set out in a report to the next meeting of the Council’s Strategy and Resources Committee on Monday 7 November at 7:30pm.