Thriving Sutton has had further good news.

The Borough has been surviving the recession well, with lower levels of unemployment than other Boroughs in London and a rate of economic activity in the workforce that is now over 80%, much higher than the London average of 75%.

On February 8 Metrobank opened offices in Sutton, creating 25 local jobs.

Now comes the news that the high-tech engineering company Subsea 7 is considering developing a bespoke, purpose-built office in Sutton, and wants to have a discussion about developing the Brighton Road car park as its new corporate headquarters. There is intense competition between local authorities for such inward investment, so this is good news.

Research shows that there are enough parking spaces at the Gibson Road car park, and the other multi-storey car parks in central Sutton, to accommodate parking thay would be displaced if the Brighton Road site closed. However any decision to negotiate further on the sale of the site would be under a transactional structure that would ensure that the car park can only be redeveloped as commercial offices in accordance with an agreed scheme, which would also be subject to normal planning regulations.

The company requires a site where a bespoke set of state-of-the art offices meeting its needs can be constructed. At present, no existing office building in Sutton will meet its needs.

It is early days and there is a long way to go on this proposal, but the proposal represents a vote of confidence in Sutton’s future. If it goes ahead, it could bring hundreds of new, hi-tech, engineering jobs to the area.  Plus a real boost to local shops and restaurants. As we have more car parking capacity than people use in Sutton town centre, developing Brighton Road could make sense.  But what is important is that we get a development local people are happy with and that we create more jobs, for which reason there is a long way to go in negotiations and consideration of planning arrangements before this is finalised. In particular, there will be close attention on the design and construction phase.

Heather said, “ Opportunity Sutton is a great initiative for business in Sutton.  Given our emphasis on the environment this type of investment is just what we want.  We will be making sure that our residents are properly consulted.  Like us they are keen to bring new life to the Brighton Road which is currently blighted by the derelict building at Sutherland House”.

Richard, who is vice-chair of the Housing, Economy and Business Committee, said “I think this shows how attractive Sutton is to potential invstors. They see Sutton as a place with a thriving local economy, good facilities, good transport links, affordable housing, low crime and good schools. rightly voted the best place in London to bring up children two years in a row.

There are issues to be sorted out before this project can go ahead but it would be irresponsible of the Council not to engage with the company in negotiation.”