Chuka Umunna MP

Streatham MP Chuka Umunna has been updated on the latest progress with a major redevelopment in Streatham Hill after meeting with senior executives of developer Redefine International which is leading the project.

Redefine International confirmed to Mr Umunna that discussions are currently underway with a number of major retailers to secure the development’s anchor store, with confirmation of which store has reached a final agreement due by the end of March.

Mr Umunna was informed that work is set to begin early next year on the development, with the initial retail offering opening in 2013. The entire complex, including new homes, is due for completion in 2015.

Wentworth House on Sternhold Avenue, which was formerly occupied by a JobCentre office and has lain dormant for a number of years, is due to be demolished as part of the scheme. Mr Umunna has learned from Redefine International that Lambeth has now signed off permission for the building’s demolition, which will proceed shortly.

The developer hopes to convert the Wentworth House site into a temporary short-stay car park providing much-needed parking spaces for those using local shops, pending completion of the overall scheme. The change of use to a temporary short-stay car park is subject to council approval.

The entire development, with a site encompassing the former Caesar’s nightclub, Megabowl and adjacent properties, represents £75 million of inward investment in Streatham.

Commenting, Mr Umunna said:

“I am pleased that this redevelopment is moving forward and am pushing for it to be delivered as quickly as possible with the minimum of disruption to local residents.

“Everyone is agreed on the importance of regenerating this stretch of Streatham Hill and our High Road and the need to attract businesses to the area. I believe this project has the potential to deliver on both of these counts and improve our main shopping street.”