To: Sutton Council Strategy and Resources Committee

Subject: Petition for Transparency in Council Decisions

The Throwley Yard project closed its doors last year after having been open for just 14 months. The failed project received investment of public funds and government grants of £2.4m. Since closure there has been no word of the future use of the venue. We the undersigned, express our deep concerns about the lack of transparency in relation to upcoming decisions regarding the Throwley Yard which we understand may be being discussed at the London Borough of Sutton Strategy and Resources Committee on 22nd June 2026.

1. Lack of Transparency in Bidding for Community Assets:

* Residents have a right to know whether decisions about this venue will be made fairly, transparently, and without bias.

* Residents are especially concerned because £2.4 million was spent previously on the venue and a contract was entered into with Really Local Group (Windy City) Ltd, which was insolvent at the time the contract was signed. The tenant reportedly never paid any of its £105,000 base rent. Staff wages at the venue were often paid late and eventually not paid at all. The project only remained live for 14 months – yet during this time it supported a range of important open and inclusive community activities.

* Residents have lost faith in the ability of the Council to make sound economic decisions in the community's best interest. The community requires the successful bidder for the lease of the premises: (a) to have a sound financial record, (b) to comply with the purposes of the Future High Street Fund (the fund which financed the refurbishment of Throwley Yard and the fit-out for the failed cinema project), (c) to contribute to the High Street's vitality via an inclusive offering which is economically active and provides cultural activity, bringing visitors into the High Street and revitalising it.

* We demand that the successful bidder is able to clearly demonstrate how the venue would meet any of the Future High Streets criteria and how it will deliver any wider economic value and demonstrate plans to be open and inclusive to all.

2. Need for Accountability:

* We demand full transparency in the bidding process for the community venue, including clear communication about the criteria, stakeholders involved, and decision-making timeline.

Therefore, we urge Sutton Council to commit to:
Ensure fairness and transparency in the bidding process for the community venue, with opportunities for community input and oversight before any final decision is made.

Showing how the successful bidder is able to clearly demonstrate how the venue would meet any of the Future High Streets criteria and how it will deliver any wider economic value and demonstrate plans to be open and inclusive to all.

Demonstrating ethical standards in decision making that prevent conflicts of interest and promotes trust in local governance.