Sutton-based shopping centre Idlewells has been named as a finalist in the social impact category at this year’s Property Awards.

The annual ceremony is hosted by Property Week — a leading magazine focusing on the commercial and residential property industry — and 2020 marks the 25th year of the awards that aim to celebrate excellence within commercial properties across the country.

Idlewells will find out on 21st April if it has been successful in the new social impact category under a submission by its management company, Ashdown Phillips.

The centre has focused on social impact and engagement over the past 12 months.

Centre manager Chloe O’Donnell said: “Our submission was focused around our One Great Day fundraiser for Great Ormond Street Hospital and our work with Alan Hupton, a local resident who has been fundraising in the town for 48 years and was the winner of last year’s East Midlands Pride of Britain award.

“Last summer our staff organised a host of activities around the theme of a summer fete, with all donations going straight to Great Ormond Street as part of a national fundraising initiative for children, called One Great Day. The activities ranged from face painting to tombolas and much more — the event really brought the local community together.

“We were lucky to have the support of Alan for our One Great Day campaign. He is a well-known figure in Sutton and widely known as a super-fundraiser.”

Since his mobility and health began to deteriorate, Alan has raised an estimated £225,000 on behalf of local charities.

Idlewells regularly hosts Alan in the centre to assist with his selfless efforts, with staff helping him cash up and retailers getting behind his remarkable work.