As we step into 2025, we’re proud to reflect on an incredible 2024—a year where Love Wimbledon played a central role in bringing Wimbledon Town Centre to life through vibrant events, community initiatives, and business support. We created over 100 days of high-quality, popular events and activities, and from sporting moments to sustainability and festive cheer, 2024 was all about driving success.
These efforts have significantly boosted the local business community, with footfall in the town centre rising by an impressive 4.6% compared to the previous year. This growth highlights the success of our initiatives and how Wimbledon continues to thrive.
For a deeper dive into these achievements and a look at our plans for the future, explore our Interim Update Report. It’s packed with insights and initiatives that made the year so impactful. Click the link below to read more and share with your team!
Interim Update Report 2023/24
In 2024, Wimbledon Town Centre became a destination for exciting visitor experiences, thanks to vibrant events and a clean, welcoming environment. Working with partners to resolve over 230 issues per month—such as graffiti removal and fly-tipping—and funding over 120 hours a month of street cleaning, Love Wimbledon ensured the town was a pleasant place to visit and work.
Summer of Sport: Love Wimbledon brought fans together with our Big Screen on The Piazza to enjoy the Wimbledon Tennis Championships and the Summer Olympic Games. Local gyms hosted taster sessions, inspiring residents to get active, and the instalment of the running track and winners’ podium on The Piazza sponsored by Efes Premium’ saw many competitive footraces!
Winterfest: Despite challenges from Storm Bert, our Wimbledon Winterfest in partnership with Wimbledon Quarter shone with live performances, festive photo spots, Christmas crafts, and ice-skating. It exemplified community resilience and drew families into the town centre.
Markets: Our Local Market on The Piazza remained lively monthly offering, celebrating local talent and sustainable living. Featuring artisan goods, fresh food, and handmade treasures, they became a staple for residents and visitors. Our Christmas Markets also added festive joy with unique gifts, seasonal treats, and carol singing.
2024 was also about supporting local businesses and encouraging economic growth:
Digital Innovation: The launch of our new website enhanced how we promote Wimbledon’s offerings, showcasing local businesses and events more effectively. We also introduced the digital Privilege Card, with exclusive deals for employees in Wimbledon, driving engagement and support for the town.
Local Spending & Footfall: Local spending surged by 122% compared to 2019, signalling strong post-pandemic growth. This increase, alongside rising footfall, highlights the success of our initiatives in making Wimbledon a bustling destination.
Destination Wimbledon: Held in partnership with White Label and Merton Council, the Evolving Wimbledon conference brought together over 100 delegates, including property investors and key stakeholders. The event highlighted exciting developments such as new housing, flexible workspaces, and retail improvements, as well as providing local businesses with valuable insights into the area’s growth and future potential and attracting investors our ever-evolving town centre.
Marketing & Promotion: Through our social media channels, with a combined audience of over 40,000 on all platforms, we showcased and promoted BID businesses, while initiatives like the Wimbledon Gift Card bolstered local commerce.
Sustainability remained a core focus in 2024:
Sustainable September: Our month-long sustainability campaign was bigger and better, attracting a 35% increase in footfall during its opening weekend. Highlights included sustainable fashion shows, repair pop-ups, kilo sale, and our highly popular Sustainable Market, offering a range of eco-friendly products.
Recycling & Sustainability Services: Many BID businesses have signed up to our waste collection services in partnership with First Mile, saving 486 tonnes of CO2 (equivalent to 2,850 trees), recycling 35 tonnes of cardboard, 28 tonnes of food waste, and 286 tonnes of mixed materials.
Business Support: We provided training sessions to help local businesses adopt more sustainable practices to reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and contribute to a more sustainable town centre.
Greening the Town Centre: Our planting initiatives enhanced Wimbledon’s public spaces, introducing vibrant greenery that beautified the area for businesses, visitors and residents alike.
From exciting events to meaningful business support, 2024 showcased Wimbledon’s strong community spirit and potential for growth. As we move into 2025, we look forward to building on these successes, creating even more opportunities for connection, celebration, and progress in Wimbledon Town Centre.
