ABOUT WIMBLEDON

The business base

• There are around 550 businesses in Wimbledon with over 350 shops
• 46% of local businesses are office based
• The town has been labelled a "clone town" (research done by the New Economics Foundation) but is holding up quite well during the recession
  

Entertainment

• The Polka Theatre is the only children's theatre in the UK
• The Piazza (outside Morrison's supermarket) is a community space, with increased activity, including regular markets
• Community events are already established, including Winter Wonderland (November) and Bookfest (October)
• New Wimbledon Theatre is part of a prestigious group bringing West End theatre to Wimbledon
• Wimbledon Odeon's 12 screen multiplex cinema now has an IMAX
• HMV will soon be opening a specialist Curzon cinema on the 1st floor of their site
  

Planning and the environment

• Plans for P4, otherwise known as the New Wimbledon Car Park site are being considered and P3, otherwise known at the Morrison's car park has approved planning for a retail/housing development.
• Improvements to the access to Wimbledon Station are approved with construction work towards the end of 2010.
• LB Merton public realm strategy will bring improvements to the street scene
• Waitrose have submitted a planning application for the former B&Q site just outside the town centre
  

Fascinating Facts

• 152 buses per hour during peaks
• 2600 pedestrian movements per hour around station at peak times
• 30 cycles parked informally in & around the station (70 in formal stands)
• 34 car parking spaces on service road (2 disabled spaces on forecourt)
• 80 car drop offs per hour at peaks
• Space for 18 taxis (up to 25 queuing)