Read our Annual Report for 2015/16

Our Annual Report for the fourth year of the Business Improvement District in Wimbledon has now been published and can be read below.

We hope you enjoy reading about our activity last year. Should you have any questions or would like to meet to discuss the BID and its effect on Wimbledon Town Centre, we would be very happy to hear from you. If you would like to read more about the Love Wimbledon BID, further information can be found here on our website.

Love Wimbledon was voted in for a five year term in 2012 and as such, we will be asking for BID businesses support in September in our renewal ballot.

To read our 2014/15 Annual Report click here.

 

Guidance for retailers on new polymer banknotes

The Bank of England has published training materials to help retailers identify the new security features on the £5 polymer banknote, ahead of it entering circulation on 13 September 2016. Business owners and staff are advised to familiarise themselves with the multiple security features within the new banknotes. When handling the new notes, retailers should check:

  • the see-through window
  • the foil patch that changes from ‘Five’ to ‘Pounds’
  • the ultra-violet feature
  • the coronation crown, which should appear 3D
  • Big Ben, which should be gold on the front and silver on the back

Retailers will also need to ensure any machines that handle cash are updated before the new notes enter circulation. Click here for full details on the new £5 note, including further information specific to retailers, or visit the Bank of England website.

WH Smith returns to Wimbledon

Love Wimbledon is delighted that after working with WH Smith since they closed their shop on Wimbledon Bridge, they have announced a return to Wimbledon Town Centre.

WH Smith has revealed they will be opening a store in Centre Court Shopping, late Summer. The unit will shortly be undergoing a major refurbishment to create a new fresh, modern store which will offer all the traditional customer favourites including stationery, cards, books, creative crafts and confectionery. The perfect location in Centre Court brings the added benefit to customers of easy access and excellent parking.

Helen Clark Bell, Business Improvement District Manager at Love Wimbledon, commented: “We’re absolutely delighted WHSmith has come back to Wimbledon. We have received a lot of queries from people asking when they would return, and we’re very pleased they have found a new home at Centre Court.”

Kevin Hall, Stores Director, WHSmith, added: “We’re thrilled to be re-opening a new store in Wimbledon. As one of the biggest supporters of the UK high street it was really important for us to find another suitable premises locally. We would like to thank all of our former customers for their support and look forward to welcoming them back to our new store in Centre Court later this summer.”

A spokesperson for Centre Court Shopping Centre, commented: “It’s great to see that Centre Court Shopping Centre continues to attract great brands such as WHSmith.”

Love Wimbledon also helped Waterstones find new premises in Wimbledon Town Centre earlier in the month. Both Waterstones’ and WH Smith’s new premises will be the latest concept stores from the retailers providing ample choice and a great shopping experience.

Waterstones Returning to Wimbledon Broadway

Love Wimbledon is thrilled that after working with Waterstones to secure a new shop space, they have announced they are returning to Wimbledon Town Centre.

Waterstones will be opening on The Broadway , Wimbledon  in early Autumn at 40-42 The Broadway. Their new shop will be furnished with the latest interiors from Waterstones and a great choice of books for the Wimbledon community.

Waterstones closed in January when their leases expired at Wimbledon Bridge. They were very keen to retain a presence in the town and at that time no appropriate unit was available and Love Wimbledon has been proactive in encouraging their early return.

Helen Clark Bell, BID Manager stated “We have worked tirelessly with Waterstones to find the right location for them so that they can return to Wimbledon Town Centre. They have been missed by shoppers and we are delighted we will have a brand new store in our town centre.”

James Daunt CEO of Waterstones added  “Having been so unceremoniously evicted from Wimbledon, Waterstones is delighted to have found a new home. In fact, we can now even think of it as a blessing in disguise. We will return with a spanking new shop in very nice premises. It promises to be a lovely new bookshop to which we look forward greatly to welcoming back our customers. The many letters of regret we received from readers in Wimbledon on our closure was greatly appreciated, as is the enthusiasm that we return, along with the practical help of Love Wimbledon to the achievement of this.”

Wimbledon eateries earn Healthier Catering Commitment award

Polka Theatre Cafe, Al Forno and Bliss Coffee have have recently been awarded Healthier Catering Commitment status by Merton Council. They have each demonstrated their commitment to providing healthier food options by making considerable changes which were required to achieve the award.

Polka Theatre Café and Bliss Coffee have refreshed their range of drinks with a focus on lower sugar options, while Al Forno no longer has salt on tables and has switched to rapeseed oil which is healthier for frying. The restaurant is keen to improve its offer to customers and will soon be launching a new menu.

Other Wimbledon town centre venues which have achieved the award in recent months are The Guild Cafe, Lu-Ma Cafe and YMCA.

Merton Council encourages restaurants, takeaways, sandwich bars and other caterers to sign up to the Healthier Catering Commitment, a voluntary scheme run by the council and backed by both the Mayor of London and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH). There are currently 22 London Boroughs taking part in the scheme.

For more details about the scheme, how to apply and the benefits award-winners can gain, please visit the Merton Council website.