The first of 30 new street trees was planted in Sutton High Street on Monday as the regeneration of the town centre gathered pace.
The Chinese birch planted at the junction with Lodge Place is one of nine trees going in the ground this week with more to follow either side of Christmas.
A living, green wall will also go up on the Wilkinson building in the New Year.
Creating a greener town centre is a key part of the £3m regeneration of Sutton’s High Street and surrounding roads.
The town square and road junctions will be redesigned, and there will be a major upgrade of the market area.
Designs have been drawn up following extensive consultation with the Sutton Town Centre Partnership, businesses and residents.
Councillor Janet Lowne, chair of the Sutton local committee, said: “It’s hugely exciting to see the town centre makeover in action.
“It will help us attract more visitors and businesses to Sutton and help our existing traders flourish.”
The project is being paid for by Transport by London (TfL) and money from planning developments, also known as Section 106 contributions.
The first phase of work at the northern end of the High Street will be stopping at the end of November to avoid disruption over Christmas.
The work will then resume in January 2010.
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