Trees to breathe new life into town centre 14.06.10

Mature trees have been planted in Sutton town centre as part of efforts to breathe new life into the area.

The five pin oaks, each up to 20 metres high and weighing in at around two tonnes, were transported in on the back of low loader trucks before being carefully lifted into position on Sutton High Street on Friday.

A total of 30 street trees are being planted to make the town centre greener and more sustainable. A living, green wall will also go up on the Wilkinson building.

The planting is part of the town centre regeneration project, the most significant upgrade to the High Street area since the 1980s, which is on track to finish later this year.

Cllr Jayne McCoy, Sutton Council's Executive Member for Planning, Economic Development and Housing, said: "The planting of the trees is a real landmark moment for the town centre project.

"When completed, the regeneration work will help make Sutton town centre a smarter, greener and more user friendly place.

"It will help us attract more visitors and businesses and help our existing traders flourish."

The pin oaks – Latin name quercus palustris – are about 20 years old. They were chosen because of their suitability for urban conditions and because they are strong enough to hold LED lamps, which will be hung in the branches.

The High Street regeneration is being paid for mostly by Transport for London (TfL) and money from planning developments, known as Section 106 contributions.

Improvements include the installation of new paving, new and additional seating and new litter bins, which enable shoppers to recycle their rubbish as they are on the move.

The designs were drawn up following extensive consultation with the Sutton Town Centre Partnership, businesses and residents.

Last updated: Thursday, 08 July 2010