Exciting step forward in the journey to Transforming Leatherhead
In a key decision last week, the Lib Dem Cabinet approved the terms of the 50:50 partnership with Kier to move forwards with Transform Leatherhead.
First conceived in 2014, the TL project has been a long time in the making with various public consultations taking place in 2015/16 to create the masterplan – a vision to redevelop the Swan Centre and Bull Hill to make the town more vibrant and enticing for residents, visitors and businesses.
A Europe-wide procurement process took place in 2021-2022, following which MVDC identified Kier as the partner they would like to work with as their joint partner on the project. Kier has a long track record of working with local authorities and have the experience and commitment to work with MVDC over the next 15 years to bring the project to fruition. In the last 12 months, despite difficulties created by the war in Ukraine, increasing construction costs and the disastrous mini-budget, Council officers have been working with Kier, and their own specialist advisors, to draft the various partnership agreements, the terms of which were approved by Cabinet on 13th July following detailed examination at Scrutiny committee.
The plans for the Swan Centre include improvements to the public realm, improved retail offer, improved food and beverage and a small cinema so that residents are encouraged to ‘shop, stay and play’ in Leatherhead. On Bull Hill, the development is proposed to be largely residential, but with a Transport Hub, highly sought after net-zero office space, hotel and community / healthcare space. The partnership is a 50:50 partnership, meaning that the Council has an equal say on how the development progresses and will share equally in the profits.
Cllr Keira Vyvyan-Robinson, Cabinet Member for Projects and responsible for Transform Leatherhead said, “This is a really key moment for Transform Leatherhead, when after years of anticipation, our partner and the terms under which the joint venture will operate are ready to be signed. I am delighted that I have been able to contribute to this achievement. We anticipate being able to share with residents the initial ideas for the Swan Centre and Bull Hill in the Autumn and I hope that as many people as possible will respond to the consultation.
In the meantime, we are also progressing the Claire House and James House redevelopment, having identified a new partner to work with after our previously agreed partner was unable to fulfil their commitment. And the initial concept drawings for the Riverside will shortly be shared in another public consultation. It’s full steam ahead for Leatherhead!”