Merton Council is set to embark on a major regeneration of Morden town centre, seeking a development partner to bring its vision to life. The council aims to launch the procurement process in Spring 2026, with the overall development and regeneration of Morden Town centre delivered over a 10-15 year period, creating a pipeline of new housing supply and investment to transform and improve the town centre.
The Merton Cabinet, at its meeting on Monday 22 September 2025, approved a reset of the Morden regeneration programme, signalling a new phase where the council will take the lead in enabling the revitalisation of the town.
Morden is envisioned as a bustling town centre, filled with a mix of quality independent and national outlets,
according to the council's report pack. The plans aim to create a vibrant hub with amenities such as a gym and a cinema, a thriving cafe culture, and safe, inclusive venues for evening entertainment.
The council's vision aims to provide more of the businesses and facilities residents want and need on their doorsteps. It's a vision of places to dwell, to celebrate, and to hang out.
The decision authorises Jeremy Smalley, Executive Director for Housing and Sustainable Development, to begin the procurement process for a development partner. The council is seeking a partner who can deliver its objectives for Morden town centre, focusing on key outcomes such as:
- Developing a thriving local economy with a mix of businesses, co-working spaces, and leisure facilities.
- Creating a green town centre with high-quality public spaces that support walking and cycling.
- Improving the public transport hub to better serve pedestrians.
- Increasing the supply of good quality housing, including affordable options.
- Enhancing sports, recreation, and well-being facilities.
- Enabling sufficient health, education, and social infrastructure.
One of the objectives for the Morden Town Centre regeneration is to create a public transport hub that works well for pedestrians and is not dominated by the buses.
The council owns a significant amount of land in Morden, and preparatory work has already been undertaken to assess the potential for development. The council intends to use its land assets to attract a private sector partner who will bring financial investment and expertise to the project.
The cabinet also noted that a further report will be presented before launching the procurement process, outlining the approach to securing a development partner.
The regeneration of Morden town centre is listed as one of the major initiatives of the Council Plan.
