The London Borough of Merton has launched a second round of Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) for the proposed redevelopment of three strategic sites in Morden town centre, London. The exercise is intended to gather views from developers, investors and construction consortia before the council begins a formal procurement process to appoint a private-sector development and investment partner. The feedback will help Merton refine the procurement criteria, delivery structure, funding arrangements and contractual framework for the project. 

The engagement forms part of the council’s wider “Remaking Morden” regeneration programme, which seeks to transform the town centre into a more modern residential, commercial and civic destination. The scheme covers key sites including the Civic Centre complex and Abbotsbury Triangle and is expected to deliver more than 1,300 mixed-tenure homes, including affordable housing. It also includes plans for a replacement Civic Centre, improved retail and leisure facilities, upgraded public spaces and better pedestrian connections. 

Merton Council has committed £30 million of public investment to support the regeneration programme. Through the market engagement, the council is seeking private-sector input on how its funding can be combined with private investment, as well as approaches to land assembly, initial development expenditure and the allocation of commercial risks between the council and future development partner. 

Alongside the long-term redevelopment, the council is implementing a series of “Meanwhile Action Plan” initiatives to improve Morden while the major regeneration programme progresses. These include public art, temporary leisure facilities, shopfront improvement grants, additional greenery and pedestrian-friendly spaces. Community workshops and design activities have also been undertaken to maintain local participation in the regeneration process. 

Following the market engagement, Merton Council plans to use the feedback to shape its final procurement strategy and tender documentation. It is then expected to issue a formal contract notice to competitively select the private-sector development partner, which will subsequently work with the council on detailed planning, public consultation and delivery of the multi-site regeneration scheme.