A presentation will be provided at the meeting.

Paul McGarry provided an update presentation on town centre development across the borough:

Wimbledon:

·         Crossrail 2: the TfL consultation received 100,000 responses and closed in January 2016.  The council provided a cross-party submission to which a formal response is expected from TfL in March/April including consideration of other station options. TFL has already acknowledged there is need for more consultation in Merton which is now happening;

·         Masterplan: the council is planning the development of Wimbledon in anticipation of Crossrail 2, reflecting the growing need for office and retail space.  Development of the Masterplan will include community input through a series of thematic workshops; and

·         Other developments in process include the Premier Inn Hotel, Pinnacle House and the theatre car park.

In response to a question from a member, Paul McGarry clarified that TfL will be contributing to the costs of the Masterplan development of Wimbledon as part of the Crossrail 2 initiative.

Raynes Park:

·         There is less regeneration activity here because of all the work undertaken in the area in 2010 through the enhancement plan;

·         Consideration is being given to the links between Crossrail 2 and Network Rail that will happen here;

·         The High Street was runner up in the Great British High Street Award following an application by the Raynes Park Association; and

·         Positive feedback for Greenspaces, Waste and futureMerton for input leading up to the judges’ visit.

Mitcham:

·         Rediscover Mitcham development is underway; the first phase of the Market Square and Clock Tower Gardens development is complete and the Majestic Way repaving and cycle lane development is in progress;

·         The market is developing; the council is looking to appoint a co-ordinator to promote and ensure this is sustained and grows; and

·         Next steps include the refurbishment of Three Kings Pond, a major traffic scheme that is awaiting approval from TfL and the cinema (the council is in talks with developers, an operator and potential restaurant operators).

Colliers Wood:

·         The Colliers Wood Tower development is now underway and is set for completion at the end of 2017.  A minor amendment to the planning permission is anticipated for decision in April/May 2016  and a pre-application for phase two of the development is in the early stages.

·         TfL’s highways work is complete, with snagging issues to be addressed;

·         Baltic Close housing improvements are underway and should be completed in May 2016; and

·         The library has been demolished and the new build has started.

In response to questions from members, Paul McGarry clarified:

·         Phase 2 of the Colliers Wood Tower development will be a new planning application rather than another revision to the extant 10 year old scheme.  This will consist of residential space for private rental and retail space at ground level.  The initial plan for library space is no longer required as this is provided through the new development.  However, community health space is needed in the area and is being discussed with the Merton Clinical Commissioning Group;

·         The height of any new development will be in line with  the council’s planning policy; clustering and stepping up to the existing tower; and

·         Colliers Wood library will open in summer 2017.

Morden:

·         The consultation on the development of Morden town centre closed in November 2015 and the council’s vision gained support from around 80% of respondents.  Further information will be provided to the Panel when the analysis of data is complete;

·         The GLA Housing Zone collaboration with TfL has been drafted with a development partner set to be in place in summer 2016;

·         A successful bid has been made to TfL Highways to redesign the High Street and the bus station; and

·         Morden Court Parade is set for a restoration back to its Art Deco original frontage.  This is difficult as it means dealing with 60 different owners.  The plan includes restoration of original balconies but costs to replace windows are prohibitive at this stage.

RESOLVED: to note the update presentation.