New plans mean thousands of homes and shops could be built in Sutton town centre

It involves selling off the current council offices and moving to a smaller building in the high street.

The authority would also sell off the closed Seacombe Theatre and the Gibson Road Car Park which could be replaced with up to 600 new homes.

It expects another 400 new homes would be provided at the redeveloped shopping centre in the High Street.

This would also include new space for shops and restaurants and a new library, college and community hub.

More than 2,000 people responded to a consultation on the regeneration where half said the town centre did not provide a good variety of shops but more than half said there was a good range of cafés, bars and restaurants.

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.”

A report recommending the council moves forward with the regeneration of the town centre will be discussed by councillors on Monday, November 7 at a meeting of the Strategy and Resources Committee.

It will take place at Sutton’s Civic Offices from 7.30pm.