Sutton Council buys landmark High Street building as part of town centre regeneration

Another prominent building on Sutton High Street will be brought back to life under plans announced today by Sutton Council.

The Council has bought 246-254 High Street (including 2-8 Marshall’s Road) as part of its plan for a vibrant and sustainable town centre, a key priority in its new five-year strategy Ambitious for Sutton.

The large Victorian building, opposite ASDA at the northern end of the high street, has sat empty for more than a decade and has fallen into disrepair after years of neglect.

The Council plans to bring the building back to life. The transformation forms part of the Council’s plans to regenerate the town centre and, once complete, the building will bring a new vibrancy and focal point to the northern end of the high street.

The decision to buy the building was approved by the Council’s Strategy and Resources Committee in November last year. The project is funded by the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, through which the Council secured £11.35 million for projects to transform the town centre.

The purchase comes after more than 2000 local people shared their views on the town centre in a survey last year, calling for more public services; better shopping; more arts, culture and leisure facilities; and recognition of Sutton’s unique heritage. 

Plans will now be developed for 246-254 High Street that will respond to these views and build on the projects already being delivered in the town centre, including the redevelopment of the St Nicholas Shopping Centre, the new Throwley Yard cinema and community arts venue and the Oru Sutton co-working and wellbeing space - both opening later this year.

Councillor David Bartolucci, Deputy Leader of the Council, said:

This strategic and long negotiated purchase shows our continued commitment to our town centre. As the new owners of 246-254 High Street, we’ll be able to express the ambitions of Sutton residents in revitalising the northern end of the high street and to renovate this much-loved building. 

“It’s also an opportunity to promote and celebrate Sutton’s heritage, enhance our community and cultural offering, while delivering spaces and services that cater to our growing population and guaranteeing a bright future for our borough. We’ll be sharing more information about our plans for the building in the coming months, and I look forward to working closely with our local community as we continue to deliver on their ambitions.”