Council sells buildings as part of regeneration

Claire House and James House will be demolished

A town centre regeneration programme has taken another step forward with a retirement property developer confirming its purchase of two council-owned buildings.

Mole Valley District Council plans for a riverside redevelopment in Leatherhead include Claire House and James House, in Bridge Street.

The council said it has now exchanged contracts on the site with retirement property specialists McCarthy Stone.

The disposal forms part of the Transform Leatherhead regeneration programme, which will include new homes, a ground floor café and community space.

Demolition will be carried out by the council using central government funding with redevelopment by McCarthy Stone.

Councillor Keira Vyvyan-Robinson, cabinet member for projects, said: “We are delighted to exchange contracts with our chosen development partner and look forward to proposals progressing to the next stage."

She said the proceeds of the sale would enable riverside enhancement projects following a public consultation carried out in 2023.

The first stage of planning permission for the site has already been approved.