Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: January 19, 2026

Purpose: The report sets out recommendations to undertake a procurement process for a developer partner to undertake the regeneration of Morden Town centre and for the Council to commit to a capital contribution to the funding required for the project.

Content: RESOLVED:   Cabinet is asked to:   A. Approve that the Council undertakes a procurement process in the manner described in this Report in order to select a developer to deliver the Council’s vision for the regeneration of Morden under a form of phased development agreement as described.   B. Delegate authority to the Executive Director for Housing and Sustainable Development in consultation with the Executive Director of Finance and Digital and the Director of Governance and Civic Services to finalise the documents and associated processes for the procurement and to undertake the procurement to select a developer agreeing that the Gateway 1 report will, as a deviation from the Council’s Contract Standing Orders, be presented after these Cabinet approvals and prior to the commencement of the procurement.   C. Note the feedback from interested parties in the Pre-Market Engagement (PME) exercise undertaken to help shape the procurement process and delivery structure.   D. Note that following evaluation of final tenders, Cabinet will consider a report setting out the results of the procurement process; any recommendation to enter into a contract with a proposed developer and the financial and other implications for the Council of doing so.   E. Approve the addition of £30m to the Council’s capital programme for Morden Town Centre and recommend to Full Council for ratification on 25th February 2026.   F. Approve in principle the contribution of the Council’s land to the project, subject to the Council satisfying its duty to obtain the best consideration reasonably obtainable under s123 of the Local Government Act 1972.   G. Delegate authority to the Executive Director for Housing and Sustainable Development in consultation with the Executive Director of Finance and Digital to make applications for grant and loan funding to support the project and enter into agreements with funding bodies to receive funds.   H. Note the update on the Morden Town Centre meanwhile use programme and the improvements to Morden Town Centre.