Browne Jacobson advises London Borough of Sutton on major town centre regeneration

UK & Ireland law firm, Browne Jacobson, is proud to announce its advisory role in a major town centre regeneration project spearheaded by Sutton Council. This ambitious project, to be delivered in partnership with Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Ltd (GKRL), the Council’s selected development partner, is a key part of the Council’s plans to create a vibrant and sustainable Town Centre.

The scheme will see the transformation of key sites including the St Nicholas Shopping Centre, the Council’s existing civic offices, the Gibson Road Car Park, and the Secombe Theatre. A vibrant new Civic Hub will be created which will serve as the nucleus of the town, offering a wide array of public services, a modern library, and spaces designed for community engagement and events.

The project also promises to introduce a diverse mix of retail and leisure facilities, significantly enhancing the town centre's appeal and economic vitality. A key component of the initiative is the development of c.740 new homes, with a commitment to making 50% of these affordable, including nearly 300 homes designated for social rent. 

In 2021, Sutton Council's strategic acquisition of the St Nicholas Shopping Centre (on which Browne Jacobson LLP also advised) marked a pivotal moment in the project, demonstrating a proactive approach to shaping the future of the town centre. The selection of GKRL as the preferred developer, following a comprehensive competitive dialogue process, reflects the Council's dedication to excellence and sustainability.

Browne Jacobson has provided a strategic end-to-end advisory service to the Council across a number of different legal specialisms, helping ensure that robust foundations are in place for the project's success. The firm’s expertise in public-private partnerships and regeneration meant it was uniquely positioned to support the Council in navigating the complexities of this significant urban development.

Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of the London Borough of Sutton, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, 

“This exciting scheme is a key part of our ambitious plans to build a vibrant and sustainable town centre for all Sutton residents. The Council has chosen a development partner with the right level of skills, resources, experience and expertise to deliver our ambitions for these key sites. I am excited for the future of Sutton that these new plans will deliver.”

Browne Jacobson's involvement in this project is a testament to our firm's commitment to facilitating transformative public sector sponsored regeneration. "We have been delighted to advise Sutton Council on this transformative town centre scheme," said Nick Hurley, Partner at Browne Jacobson. "Our involvement highlights our dedication to supporting projects that not only drive economic growth but also contribute positively to society."

As the project progresses, Browne Jacobson remains committed to providing the Council with the expert support, helping to ensure the successful delivery of a project that will shape the future of Sutton Town Centre for generations to come.