How can the distinctive character and heritage of Sutton be preserved for future generations? To address this challenge, Sutton Council, in partnership with Historic England, Successful Sutton Business Improvement District and Carshalton and District History and Archaeological Society (CADHAS), has formed the Sutton Heritage Action Zone (HAZ).
The Sutton HAZ partnership unveiled two landmark reports at a public event held on 1 October at Sutton Baptist Church, a building recently awarded Grade II* listing by the Secretary of State.
The Historic Area Assessment for Sutton Town Centre report and accompanying Gateway Document are authored by Locus Consulting. The report celebrates Sutton's rich and longstanding history, exemplified by the streets, buildings, spaces and people that have shaped its town centre. The legacy of Sutton's historical status as a significant highway, crossroads and stopping point between London, Brighton and the Banstead and Epsom Downs, remains the single most dominant feature within the townscape, while several characteristics have been inherited from Sutton's rural past. The report charts Sutton's transformation from a modest railway town into the main civic and administrative centre of the modern London Borough of Sutton.
The report identifies opportunities for proactive conservation management and strategic planning to address changes to retail frontages and enhance Sutton's heritage. The research will assist planners, property owners, developers and the local community in shaping a sustainable future for Sutton town centre.
Archaeology
The known and potential archaeological significance of Sutton town centre is described within the research report Early Sutton: to inform the present for the future undertaken by Oxford Archaeology. Members of CADHAS supported the project by carrying out research in the Sutton Archives and History Centre and a large part of the on-site assessment. The report covers a 3km radius around Sutton town centre. Volunteers surveyed the extent of pre-1800 structures within the Sutton HAZ boundary and identifed areas of previous ground disturbance and areas with the potential to contain surviving archaeological remains.
Simon Latham, Assistant Director of Housing, Planning and Regeneration at Sutton Council, said: "The council welcomes the research reports as they will help to strengthen our position in protecting Sutton's heritage and encouraging a high quality development as part of the town centre regeneration. The council will be reviewing the opportunities identified in the report, including setting up a Design Review Panel. We look forward to working with the Sutton HAZ partners in realising our shared ambitions."
David English, Historic Places Principal, Historic England said: "Sutton is London's first Heritage Action Zone and deservedly so. The town centre has a rich history. However, it faces many challenges and it is vital that Sutton's heritage plays a key role in informing how the centre continues to develop and thrive. Both the Historic Area Assessment and the archaeology report contribute to understanding of Sutton's historic environment and will lead to better place-making."
More information:
About Sutton Heritage Action Zone (HAZ)
The Sutton HAZ partnership will see Historic England, London Borough of Sutton, Successful Sutton Business Improvement District (BID) and Carshalton and District History and Archaeological Society (CADHAS) work together over three years (2017-2020) to deliver a series of projects that will support local heritage to promote economic growth in Sutton Town Centre. It is part of the national initiative of Heritage Action Zones led by Historic England.
About Historic England
Historic England is the public body that helps people care for, enjoy and celebrate England's spectacular historic environment, from beaches and battlefields to parks and pie shops. It protects, champions and saves the places that define who we are and where we've come from as a nation. Historic England cares passionately about the stories it tells, the ideas it represents and the people who live, work and play among them. Working with communities and specialists, Historic England shares its passion, knowledge and skills to inspire interest, care and conservation, so everyone can keep enjoying and looking after the history that surrounds us all. https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/sutton-historic-area-assessment-gateway/
Historic Area Assessment for Sutton Town Centre
Early Sutton: to inform the present for the future
Sutton Town Centre Heritage Action Zone
Discovering Sutton Heritage Action Zone
