Key Town Centre Car Park Still Operating at Half Capacity After Four-Year Closure
The upper deck of Peel House car park, located adjacent to Morden Underground station on the Northern line, has remained closed since January 2022 with no clear timeline for reopening. This prolonged partial closure has sparked renewed criticism from local representatives who argue it hampers the town's economic vitality and convenience for residents.
Structural Concerns Prompt Extended Shutdown
Transport for London owns the site, while Merton Council manages the facility under an 80-year lease. The upper level was closed after being deemed unsafe due to suspected structural problems, with reported issues including concrete cracks, exposed metal reinforcement, and water leaks. The lower level reopened in August 2022 following safety inspections.
"Morden is not operating at full capacity," said Independent councillor Edward Foley, describing the impact on shoppers, commuters and residents. "We would love to see both levels back in use because a lack of parking is one of the biggest problems in the town."
Financial and Safety Considerations Delay Progress
The council has allocated £550,000 in the coming financial year for what its budget describes as a "health and safety scheme to meet lease dilapidation obligations." However, officials have not provided specific details about the planned work or a potential reopening date.
Cllr Foley suggested the structure is "in a worse state than initially thought" and that a complete rebuild would likely cost the council "an awful lot of money," particularly given rising construction costs. The council maintains that public safety remains its top priority and that the upper level will only reopen once it meets strict safety requirements.
Broader Town Centre Regeneration Context
The car park closure occurs against the backdrop of Merton Council's long-promised Remaking Morden regeneration project, which aims to revitalize the town centre after more than two decades of delays. Councillors and residents have consistently noted that the area suffers from traffic congestion while lacking pedestrian space and attractive retail options.
Despite the London Plan's emphasis on minimal parking in new developments, Cllr Foley argues that adequate parking remains essential in outer London areas like Morden. "There is no point moving forward with the regeneration if Morden stays empty at weekends because people can't park," he emphasized.
Additional Concerns Beyond Structural Issues
The councillor also raised concerns about anti-social behavior at the site, noting that several people had been sleeping rough beneath the structure and that shoplifting had increased at the neighboring Sainsbury's supermarket. Council officials report that their safer neighborhood team has recently addressed these issues and that yellow lines have been installed along the TfL service road to discourage illegal parking.
The Peel House facility represents Morden's most centrally located parking option, with the closed upper deck offering 194 spaces and the operational lower level providing 156 spaces. While the council confirms the car park falls outside the designated regeneration zone, its full restoration is viewed as vital to supporting local businesses and improving accessibility.
A Merton Council spokesperson stated: "Merton Council has a plan to make repairs to Peel House car park to reopen the upper level. In the meantime, the lower level remains an important car park for shoppers in Morden town centre, managed by the council."
