Mitcham regeneration plan receives locals' support

A plan to rejuvenate Mitcham has been welcomed by locals following an event held by Merton Council to assess the feasibility of the scheme.

Residents who took part in the second ‘Rediscover Mitcham’ consultation were generally happy with the proposals, with the vast majority endorsing the council’s vision and projections, and 70 per cent saying they are satisfied or very satisfied with the overall improvement scheme design.

Rediscover Mitcham represented the biggest ever town centre improvement consultation in the London borough of Merton, with almost 2,500 responses over the two-part consultation, the first of which was held last year.

It has now been proposed that plans for the Fair Green and Three Kings Piece as part of Phase 1 of the works will proceed to technical design stage, and be completed by the summer of next year.

Phase 1 will include a range of measures such as a new market canopy, the provision of a public toilet facility, a relocated and restored Mitcham Clock Tower, and a new water feature on the Fair Green, all of which will be complemented by new lighting, seating and redesigned green spaces.

More than 60 per cent of residents felt positive about all the council plans, with 62 per cent supporting the introduction of buses in London Road and Fair Green, 72 per cent supporting a market canopy, 74 per cent in favour of a new boardwalk alongside Three Kings Pond, and 73 per cent behind the proposed layout changes and landscaping to the Fair Green open space.

Councillor Andrew Judge, Merton Council cabinet member for environmental sustainability and regeneration, commented: "We are delighted with the vast support that has been shown for our plans for the second time running in this latest consultation. I’d like to thank everyone who took part for their feedback which has helped us develop the scheme along the way.

"This £6 million investment in Mitcham will help create a safer, more accessible and attractive town centre for residents and visitors whilst also supporting local business and giving the area the much needed boost it needs."

The scheme is due to be completed by the end of 2015, and will take place alongside the One Mitcham programme of market events, art installations and community empowerment.

Published 18th September, 2013

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