Evolving Wimbledon

Wimbledon’s post-pandemic boom: A model for high street recovery. New research confirms that Wimbledon town centre has bounced back stronger than ever, with local spending up 25% over pre-pandemic levels and footfall consistently breaking records. This revival, driven by new businesses and experiences like Third Space, giving rise to what is locally known as “Gymbledon”, highlights Wimbledon’s unique appeal. At last month’s Evolving Wimbledon Conference, we explored these exciting trends - footfall growth, visitor economy, local sports, and Wimbledon's vibrant workplace scene. Thank you to all partners and attendees who helped make it a success! Read the full report: ?? https://lnkd.in/ebkZiktQ #EvolvingWimbledon

That’s a wrap on what has been a remarkable day at the Evolving Wimbledon Development Conference, in association with Love Wimbledon Business Improvement District! From inspiring keynotes to insightful panel discussions and breakout sessions, we’ve explored the future of Wimbledon as a thriving business hub and sustainable high street destination. A huge thanks to our conference chair, Sally Bundock, and all our speakers and participants for making today’s event a success! ?? Craig Hurring FRSA - Sally Warren- Alexander Woolf - Cllr Eleanor Stringer - Cllr Ross Garrod - Deborah Jevans CBE - Diana Sterck - ?Diane Wehrle SFIPM - Fiona Razvi - Howard Dawber - James Penfold - James Wallace - Jayne Knowles - Leigh Johnson - Lucy Kane - Lynette Shanbury - Michael Adewole - Ojay McDonald - Paul McGarry - Pru Ashby - Rachel Meunier - Richard Harrison - Roger Hobkinson - Russell Glover - Sara Bailey - Ulrika H?gberg - Cllr Andrew Judge And of course, a big thank you to our sponsors London Borough of Merton, #AELTC, Merton Chamber of Commerce, University of the Arts London, #Huddle, Wimbledon Quarter, and Time & Leisure Magazine for their support. Stay tuned for our conference round-up story coming soon. #EvolvingWimbledon

An incredible afternoon of conversation at the Evolving Wimbledon Development Conference,?packed with forward-thinking strategies and ideas that highlight local opportunities, sustainability, and economic growth. Highlights from this afternoon's sessions include: ? Cllr Andrew Judge, Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainable Development, confirmed that London Borough of Merton is starting its own housing development programme for the first time in 40 years, with planning permission in place for four sites already. ? With Merton ranked as the top place to downsize (according to a survey by Savills), Wimbledon is an attractive location for businesses and their staff, offering easy access to shops, green spaces, and healthcare. ? Significant discussion regarding the potential development of a new concert hall in Central Wimbledon, a project that has received support from the council. ? Roger Hobkinson - The Destination Developers & Advisor to AFC Wimbledon, expressed enthusiasm for the Borough of Sport concept, stating, "We're captivated by the idea. Does Wimbledon have the credibility to deliver on that? I believe it does." ? Ulrika H?gberg - AELTC, highlighted the important role Wimbledon Town Centre plays in welcoming guests and enhancing the overall experience for spectators of both the Tennis Championships and AFC Wimbledon. ? Ulrika explained that, as part of the AELTC’s expansion efforts, they have been actively engaging with local residents, offering guided walks on the golf course to allow the community to experience the scale and atmosphere of the additional space. The project is expected to be completed between 2030 and 2033. ? ?Diane Wehrle SFIPM - Rendle Intelligence and Insights, highlighted a shift in shopping behaviour, with fewer shoppers visiting stores but spending more per visit, advising retailers to focus on customer relationships and upselling. Looking ahead to Q4 2024 and 2025, Diane predicted inflation stability, continued hybrid working affecting footfall, and a growing consumer focus on lifestyle and self-care over fashion, with cautious optimism for the holiday season. ? Craig Hurring FRSA - Love Wimbledon Business Improvement District, expressed cautious optimism about Wimbledon’s future, praising the efforts to debunk myths about retail. While acknowledging the desire for more retailers and expansion opportunities, he emphasised that Wimbledon is better positioned than many areas, with South West and South London as key growth hubs. #EvolvingWimbledon

Coming up at the Evolving Wimbledon Development Conference… ? People and Places on your doorstep, featuring: Sara Bailey (Chair) - Trowers & Hamlins, Rachel Meunier - Clarion Housing, Cllr Andrew Judge - Merton Council, Leigh Johnson - Wates Residential, and James Wallace - Hunters. ? Creating a sustainable high street, featuring: Pru Ashby - London & Partners, Ojay McDonald - Association of Town & City Management, Lucy Kane - Time & Leisure, and Diana Sterck - Sustainable Merton. ? Sport as a driver of economic success, featuring Ulrika H?gberg - AELTC, Roger Hobkinson - The Destination Developers & Adviser to AFC Wimbledon, Richard Harrison - The Golf Groove, and Sonika Sidhu - Local Government Association. ?Keynote from ?Diane Wehrle SFIPM, CEO & Founder of Rendle Intelligence and Insights, on retail and high street trends in 2024, and outlook for the golden quarter. ?Plus, final remarks from CEO of Love Wimbledon Business Improvement District, Craig Hurring FRSA. We’re looking forward to what the rest of the day has in store! #EvolvingWimbledon London Borough of Merton - #AELTC - Merton Chamber of Commerce - University of the Arts London - #Huddle - Wimbledon Quarter - Time & Leisure Magazine

Morning highlights: What a phenomenal start to the Evolving Wimbledon Development Conference, in association with Love Wimbledon Business Improvement District! The conference opened with a fantastic video showcasing Wimbledon's recent developments, pipeline and landmarks, produced by VU.CITY. We then heard some opening remarks from the Leader of London Borough of Merton, Cllr Ross Garrod, and was followed by thought-provoking panel discussions on the evolution of Wimbledon’s Town Centre and its role in attracting new businesses. Some key moments so far… ? Insights from Craig Hurring FRSA - Love Wimbledon BID, on the causes of higher footfall and the 122% increased spend from 2019 to 2023 in Wimbledon Town Centre, which is opening up new community and business opportunities. Craig references a “donut effect” in action, with spend still lower in key central zones where office use is lower and higher in affluent residential markets. ?Deborah Jevans CBE from AELTC discussed the important long-term relationship between the Wimbledon Championships and the Town Centre. Following the GLA’s recent approval for the AELTC to transform the former Wimbledon Park Golf Course, Debbie highlighted the opportunities this could present for the local economy by providing a “treasured facility for the people of Wimbledon and beyond to enjoy”. ? A showcase of Wimbledon’s workspaces currently under development and the opportunities they present to occupiers, with Alexander Woolf from Huddle Wimbledon, Russell Glover from Peldon Rose, Cllr Eleanor Stringer of Merton Council,?and Michael Adewole from Fletcher Priest Architects. ? Howard Dawber’s keynote on Wimbledon’s unique growth and a showcase of The Mayor of London’s new economic growth plan. ? Strategies to help Wimbledon promote itself to tourists and how the town centre can maximise it’s all-important night time economy, with Fiona Razvi - Wimbledon BookFest, Lynette Shanbury - Polka Theatre, Jayne Knowles - Wimbledon College of Arts, and James Penfold - Infinite Partners. ? Sally Warren - Love Wimbledon, spoke to Wimbledon’s heritage and evolution alongside Paul McGarry - Merton Council, who showcased the progress of the Future Merton masterplan from the first conference in 2013. Paul also ran through future opportunities for investment and the planned regeneration of Morden. Plenty more to come this afternoon! Stay tuned for updates. #EvolvingWimbledon London Borough of Merton - #AllEnglandLawnTennisClub - Merton Chamber of Commerce - University of the Arts London - #Huddle - Wimbledon Quarter - Time & Leisure Magazine

?? We’re here at the Polka Theatre for the Evolving Wimbledon Development Conference, in association with Love Wimbledon Business Improvement District! Chaired by Journalist & Presenter, Sally Bundock, the conference will explore how Wimbledon Town Centre can continue to thrive as one of London’s top destinations for businesses and retailers. Alongside keynote addresses from Deborah Jevans CBE - AELTC, Howard Dawber, and ?Diane Wehrle SFIPM - Rendle Intelligence and Insights, we will discuss: ? Flexibility, Growth and Development – Wimbledon’s Workplaces, featuring: Russell Glover - Peldon Rose, Michael Adewole - Fletcher Priest Architects, Cllr Eleanor Stringer - Merton Council, and Alexander Woolf - Huddle Wimbledon. ? Culture and Wimbledon’s Visitor Economy, featuring: Lynette Shanbury - Polka Theatre, Jayne Knowles - University of the Arts London, James Penfold - Infinite Partners, and Fiona Razvi - Wimbledon BookFest. ? How is Wimbledon Performing? Featuring: Sally Warren - Love Wimbledon BID, and Paul McGarry - Merton Council. ? People and Places on your doorstep, featuring: Sara Bailey (Chair) - Trowers & Hamlins, Rachel Meunier - Clarion Housing Group, Cllr Andrew Judge - Merton Council, Leigh Johnson - Wates Residential, and James Wallace - Hunters. ? Creating a Sustainable High Street, featuring: Pru Ashby - London & Partners, Ojay McDonald - Association of Town & City Management, Lucy Kane - Time & Leisure Magazine, and Diana Sterck - Sustainable Merton. ? Sport as a driver of economic success, featuring Ulrika H?gberg - AELTC, Roger Hobkinson - The Destination Developers & Adviser to AFC Wimbledon, Richard Harrison - The Golf Groove, and Sonika Sidhu - Local Government Association. Stay with us for updates. Special thanks to our sponsors: London Borough of Merton, #AELTC, Merton Chamber of Commerce, University of the Arts London, #Huddle, Wimbledon Quarter, and Time & Leisure Magazine. #EvolvingWimbledon

The Greater London Authority has resolved to approve the AELTC's planning application to transform the former Wimbledon Park Golf Course. Read more ??

?? Leigh Johnson, Regional Development Director of Wates Residential (Wates Group), will take part in the "People and Places on your Doorstep" breakout session at the Evolving Wimbledon Development Conference! With over 36 years of experience in property development and senior roles in four of the country’s five major housebuilders, Leigh has a particular focus and expertise in land, planning, and the delivery of well-designed places. Leigh's creative approach recognises how places and spaces impact people’s lives and well-being. She emphasises that the true value of housing extends beyond physical buildings and land—it includes social, environmental, health, and economic benefits. Homes and places are defined by the people who live in them, and by prioritising people’s needs, Leigh helps create homes that respond to these diverse needs, both now and in the future. Leigh advocates for a responsibility to "do better" when designing, delivering, and managing new homes and places. Learn more about Leigh's approach during the session as we explore the potential impact of developments for Merton. Book your tickets before 12PM on Monday 30 September to guarantee your seat at the conference! ???? https://lnkd.in/ef-PKS4w #EvolvingWimbledon

?? Last chance to secure your seats to the most important date in Wimbledon's regeneration calendar: The Evolving Wimbledon Development Conference 2024! ?? Tuesday 1 October ?? Polka Theatre ? 8:45AM - 5PM Wimbledon is South West London’s premier destination.?Footfall in Wimbledon Town Centre has returned to a higher level than before the pandemic, the occupancy rate on the High Street is increasing and major property owners including Romulus and Wimbledon Offices Ltd are investing in enhancements to their portfolios. Join us as we explore how Wimbledon Town Centre can most effectively build on its prosperity and success to attract new office occupiers and extend the offer on the high street. Check out our jam-packed programme and book your tickets before 12PM on Monday 30 September! ? https://lnkd.in/ef-PKS4w #EvolvingWimbledon

?? James Wallace, Director of Hunters: Architects, Building Consultants and Civils & Structures, joins the "People and Places on your Doorstep" breakout session at the conference next week! James is a true leader in dementia design. He has secured planning for complicated London sites and completed a private scheme near Wimbledon Town Centre for the over 55's. James will bring the Later Living element into the discussion as we explore how Wimbledon can take advantage of its skilled workforce and older demographic?who have the luxury of being able to work and retire close to home. Secure your tickets today! ???? https://lnkd.in/ef-PKS4w #EvolvingWimbledon