Sutton Council submits bid to improve public transport

Council authorities have highlighted that Sutton is one of the "worst-served boroughs" in London for public transport.

The money would aim to improve access to Harris Academy Sutton, the London Cancer Hub and the new emergency hospital set for Belmont.

The bid is focused on reinstating a twin-track rail line between Sutton and Belmont and rebuilding the Belmont Loop Line of approximately 1.5km.

This is what the gateway will look like once the work is complete

This will enable more frequent rail services, increasing current services from two trains to 4-6 trains per hour and unlocking a direct service from Belmont to London Victoria, said Sutton Council.

The council said it has received the lowest amount of transport investment of all of London’s boroughs since 2016 - just £16 million or £73 per Sutton resident over the past five years.

Commenting on the bid, Leader of Sutton Council, Councillor Ruth Dombey, said: "The next few years will see major improvements and investment in this part of the borough.

"The innovative Harris Academy, the new emergency care hospital and the flagship London Cancer Hub are all signs of growing confidence in our borough.

"They will bring jobs and skills for our residents, as well as improved local services.

Artist's sketch of Sutton Emergency Care Hospital. Image via Epsom-St Helier NHS

"These projects will really put Sutton on the map. But the one map where Sutton doesn't really feature is the transport map. This funding bid by the Council is a game-changer to ensure fast and regular services from central London to Belmont.

"The range of partners backing the council's bid shows the huge support for better public transport links to Sutton.

"More frequent trains will be key to maximising the benefits of these schemes in Belmont and help us meet our ambitious climate change targets.

"We hope the Government will respond positively."

Professor Paul Workman, Chief Executive of The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said: “The Institute of Cancer Research, London, strongly supports the London Borough of Sutton’s bid to the Levelling Up Fund to reinstate the double rail track between Belmont and Sutton stations.

“The London Cancer Hub is a unique collaboration and our shared ambition is to create the world’s leading life science and healthcare district specialising in cancer research, treatment, commercial enterprise and education.

“There is an urgent and increasing need for sustainable public transport solutions to improve access to the London Cancer Hub that align with local Sutton and London-wide plans.

"The proposal to improve rail access to Belmont is vital to ensuring the programme delivers on its expected benefits for cancer patients, local residents and the wider economy.”