Sutton - A borough of opportunity and economic growth

The opening of the new Lidl in our town centre this week is a fantastic milestone. As well as being another place to shop, it is a significant vote of confidence in Sutton’s economy from a major national retailer. It shows that businesses share our vision for a town centre that is vibrant, growing, and open for business.

By creating new jobs and drawing more people into our town centre, this move generates a positive ripple effect that benefits our smaller, independent shops and businesses. 

It was great to be able to meet Dennis this week who has run his fruit and vegetable stall on our high street for 53 years. Dennis has served generations of Sutton residents with top-quality produce and a smile. While new arrivals like Lidl show our town is growing, it is those independent and local businesses that make Sutton what it is. Now more than ever, I encourage you to choose fresh and choose local. While our town centre evolves, we will continue to support the entrepreneurs who have been with us every step of the way.

We know that high streets across the country are facing tough times, but here in Sutton, we are bucking the trend. I am incredibly proud that we have some of the highest occupancy rates in London—not just in the town centre, but across our district centres from Wallington to Worcester Park and from Carshalton to Cheam.

Whether it’s the St Nicholas Centre, which we took decisive action to purchase and revitalise, or our local shopping parades, the fact that over 92% of our units are occupied is a testament to the loyalty of you, our residents, and the hard work of our local entrepreneurs.

While we focus on the "everyday basics" that matter to you, we are also building a global future right here in Belmont. The London Cancer Hub is a once-in-a-generation project. It is already putting Sutton on the world map as a leader in life sciences and world-class research. It will bring high-skilled jobs, new community spaces, and investment that will sustain our local economy for decades.

The way to beat the cost of living crisis is to have a thriving local economy. Sutton is truly a town with a future. We aren't just waiting for things to happen; we are making them happen. From the simple joy of a new supermarket opening to the global significance of the Cancer Hub, we are proving that by working together and supporting local businesses, we can build a borough that is prosperous, ambitious, and a place we are all proud to call home.

Councillor Barry Lewis
Leader of the Council