Tag Archive for: New Wimbledon Theatre

Multiple Wins for Wimbledon at Food & Culture Awards 2022

A huge congratulations to the 17 businesses in Wimbledon Town Centre, who have received shining recognition in Time & Leisure’s Food & Culture Awards 2022, putting Wimbledon firmly on the map as a destination for dining, cultural events and theatres. 

This year marked the 10th year of the Time & Leisure Food & Culture awards, which are dedicated to celebrating world-class food, drink and culture in South West London and Surrey, as well as recognising the talented and passionate people who make up our hospitality and arts industries.

Over 10,000 votes were cast and ambassadors for this year’s awards included top chefs Adam Byatt and Marcus Wareing. Amongst the many local businesses nominated, five venues across Wimbledon Town Centre were winners in their categories. Hailed for their authentic Persian dishes, Diba won both ‘Local Restaurant Of The Year’ and ‘Best Delivery/Takeaway’.

 

Diba – winners of Local Restaurant Of The Year and Best Delivery/Takeaway awards

 

Lively local The Alexandra was awarded ‘Best Pub’ for its commitment to the community – namely its free Christmas dinner for anyone who would usually be alone on Christmas Day. Wimbledon Bookfest were winners of ‘Cultural Experience of the Year’ for delivering incredible live events with top guest speakers, despite the constraints of the pandemic, and New Wimbledon Theatre won ‘Favourite Entertainment Venue’.

 

New Wimbledon Theatre – winners of Favourite Entertainment Venue award

 

“We are thrilled to win this and to be nominated for Cultural Experience of the Year and Favourite Theatre Show after what has been such a difficult couple of years for our industry. We are so pleased the local community have supported and returned to the theatre, as us we reopened and brought the theatrical sparkle back to SW19.”

– New Wimbledon Theatre

 

Love Wimbledon sponsored the ‘Wimbledon Town Centre People’s Choice’ award, which was won by Leon, the health-conscious food group that impressed readers. Lebanese restaurant Grilandia followed closely behind as the highly commended choice, with Polka Theatre, CMYK bar and Diba also being commended. Other businesses recommended in this category included Dip & Flip, Kokoro, Lu-Ma Café, The Alexandra and Bills.

We are delighted to see so many of our local businesses in Wimbledon recognised for their excellence by the community, and hope that more people are encouraged to explore the best of their neighbourhood, trying out local favourites across the town and high street.

See the full list of winners here.

The Festive Spirit Returns to Wimbledon

Love Wimbledon has brought the festive spirit to Wimbledon Town Centre in the lead up to Christmas, attracting visitors to the town through activities and events and the launch of The Wimbledon Gift Card

 

Decorating the Town

Our magical, twinkling tree has returned outside Wimbledon Station bringing a smile to commuters and visitors passing by, while children and families have been captivated by our Spot the Golden Reindeer installation, which has seen Santa’s nine reindeer back again with a new twist to celebrate local theatres. Christmas lights have been switched on and planters refreshed with festive flowers, including Wimbledon’s first Living Pillar which has been updated with air-scrubbing plants! We have dressed up the shop fronts of empty units along The Broadway with planting and pops of colour, presenting a more attractive town centre.

The Wimbledon Gift Card 

Love Wimbledon has launched London’s first town centre gift card, designed to encourage local spend in Wimbledon and provide essential support to a range of high street businesses within the community. This is a positive addition to the town centre, promoting the depth and range of businesses to the strong community and provides the great gift of choice to reward employees and volunteers this Christmas. Used like a pre-paid Mastercard, it’s redeemable at over 30 brands, independents, restaurants, lifestyle, entertainment and cultural venues in Wimbledon Town Centre, including department store Elys, Prince of Wales Pub, Lush and Fitness Space. To find out more and order The Wimbledon Gift Card for your staff, click here or register your business to take part here.

Wimbledon Winter Weekender

Taking the place of our Winter Wonderland event, we created a reimagined community event this year – the Wimbledon Winter Weekender, which took place 27-28 November. Spread across two days, the event featured community choirs, dance performances, schools acts, face painting, steel pans music, Santa appearances, ice-carving and the very popular fireworks. Businesses lended their support to the event, with Centre Court Shopping Centre hosting the fireworks display and many families, children and visitors getting involved and enjoying the return of live events. We thank those who visited the town for this event and supported local, braving the cold weather and showing true festive spirit.

Christmas Markets on The Piazza

In their 10th year, our Christmas Markets are always a popular event. Providing that extra sparkle to The Piazza and offering the perfect opportunity to pick up unique Christmas gifts and deliciously hot festive food, we have two upcoming Friday markets, for employees to visit during their lunchbreaks or after work*. Local artisans offer a broad range of products, including original art, home décor, bespoke jewellery, clothing, candles and much more.

*Our last two Christmas Markets are Friday 10th December – Sunday 12th December and Friday 17th December – Sunday 19th December, 11am to 6pm each day.

We’d like to thank all the businesses that have come together to support the local community and the town this Christmas, whether it’s by donating to local organisations who help those in need, or sponsoring our activities and events, to deliver Christmas festivities in a new way this year. Thank you to The Piazza and Centre Court Shopping for sponsoring the Christmas Tree as well as our Golden Reindeer, plus Polka Theatre and New Wimbledon Theatre for also supporting the reindeer installation. A final thank you to Morrisons Solicitors and WSM for sponsoring the floral planters on The Piazza.

Love Wimbledon launches London’s First Town Centre Gift Card

Love Wimbledon launches London’s First Town Centre Gift Card

Wimbledon has become the first town centre in London to have its own physical and digital dedicated gift card. Led by Love Wimbledon Business Improvement District (BID), the new Wimbledon Gift Card is designed to encourage local spend in Wimbledon and provide essential support to a range of high street businesses within the community.

Since re-opening, Wimbledon has seen the return of shoppers, dining out and office workers and footfall is increasing. The Wimbledon Gift Card enables a positive addition to the town centre by promoting the depth and range of businesses to the strong community, keeping spending local and providing a very attractive gift for businesses in the region to give to their staff this Christmas and throughout the year. It is a way for businesses to invest in our area while giving their staff a breadth of choice in where and how to spend their gift card.

Many well-known brands and independents have signed up to accept the physical and digital gift cards, including independent department store Elys, clothing and gift shops, health and beauty, restaurants, pubs and theatres. It is the perfect gift that supports Wimbledon town centre.

When it comes to buying gifts, convenience is a huge factor with 1 in 3 adults said to purchase gifts based on how soon they can get them. With The Wimbledon Gift Card, the convenience is there (a click away!) and the recipient of this gift can choose the option that suits them best – with cards delivered right to their doorstep.


Helen Clark Bell, Chief Executive of Love Wimbledon Business Improvement District, said it was the perfect time to introduce the Wimbledon Gift Card:

“After such a difficult time for businesses, and as part of our longer-term strategy to ReDiscover Wimbledon, we introduced the gift card as a positive initiative for both our businesses and our community. The Wimbledon Gift Card is a gift for all – it encompasses a wide variety of businesses, including theatres, restaurants and retailers. A gift card for all ages and all interests, it supports our high street, strengthening relationships between businesses and the amazing community we are lucky enough to have in the area.”

Sarah Mackie, General Manager of participating business – the Prince of Wales pub:

“We signed up to the new card as the last 18 months have been tough and the card reflects how the business community works together here to support the town centre. It really showcases the range and best of High Street businesses in Wimbledon. I wouldn’t mind being given one myself!”

Colin Munro, Managing Director of Miconex:

“As one of the first places in the UK to launch a physical and digital gift card, Wimbledon is leading the way in the digital high street revolution. GCVA (Gift Card & Voucher Association) data shows that whilst using gift cards in-store is still the most popular way to spend a gift card for over 54.8% of people, the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital gift cards too with 38.4% making the switch. 21.6% of people redeemed their gift card via mobile in 2020, almost doubling 2019 figures. The interest in shopping local isn’t waning either, with 34.3% of consumers supporting local businesses through gift cards – the highest level since May 2020.”

The Wimbledon Gift Card is available to buy online as either a physical or digital gift card, from £5 to £500. Physical gift cards are sent to the recipient by post with an optional gift message. Gift cards are 100% compostable and arrive in an envelope printed on FSC paper. Digital gift cards are sent to the recipient as a text or email, with the balance being available to add to their digital wallet, so that purchases can be made in-store directly via phone.

Wimbledon Town Centre has around 250 shops, eateries, services and cultural venues. Situated in South West London, with the internationally renowned postcode SW19, it is the economic heart of the London Borough of Merton, with some quarter of a million residents. Around 15,000 people work in the town centre, creating a thriving and popular place to visit and work.

To find out more about the Wimbledon Gift Card, please visit www.wimbledongiftcard.com

To register your business for the programme and FAQs click here.

Christmas Activities in Wimbledon

Christmas Market food stall

Love Wimbledon are hosting a range of FREE events and promotions to bolster the Christmas period, aiming to drive footfall to the town centre and enhance the overall experience for visitors, supported by a strong marketing campaign.

The Wimbledon Gift Card

A gift for all this Christmas. We’re launching The Wimbledon Gift Card, an exclusive card to redeem at participating Wimbledon Town Centre businesses, including independents, brands, lifestyle, shops, theatre, restaurants and more. Perfect for the person who has everything, last-minute presents and employee gifts. If your business would like to take part in the gift card programme, please register here, and look out for when this launches – it’s also a great opportunity for a tax-free gift for your employees.

Christmas Tree

A perennial favourite, the Christmas Tree will appear again on the station forecourt, lighting up the town. Jointly sponsored by Centre Court Shopping, The Piazza and Love Wimbledon. 

Wimbledon Reindeer Trail: 19th November – 1st January

Eight vibrant and colourful reindeer (plus Rudolf!) will decorate the streets of Wimbledon this Christmas. In partnership with Centre Court Shopping and The Piazza, see if you can spot them in town – with a theatrical twist!

Christmas Markets: five consecutive weekends, from 20th November

This year marks the 10th anniversary of our festive markets on The Piazza, which take place annually across five weekends during the Christmas period. The markets provide a winter shopping and eating experience over 12 days, including two Fridays (10th and 17th December) where employees can pop down during their lunches/after work. 11am – 6pm

Wimbledon Winter Weekender: 27th & 28th November

Our NEW Winter Weekender will welcome visitors to the town centre with festivities across two days, replacing our previous one-day Winter Wonderland event and tying into the Black Friday shopping weekend. 12pm – 5pm

Visitors will enjoy:

  • Performances
  • Brass band
  • Roller skating Christmas characters
  • Ice carving demonstration
  • Father Christmas appearance
  • Fireworks Display (5pm on Sunday, courtesy of Centre Court Shopping)
  • And more!

The majority of activities will take place around the station forecourt, The Piazza and Centre Court, with an appearance of entertainment near New Wimbledon Theatre and Polka Theatre, as shows end, providing additional enjoyment for theatre-goers.  


We look forward to a joyful festive season for the town and businesses within, with the community coming together once again and celebrating Christmas. Get in touch to let us know what your business has planned and we can promote your offering. info@lovewimbledon.org

Join New Wimbledon Theatre’s Pie Contest

 

To celebrate their re-opening and the opening gala performance: Waitress the Musical, New Wimbledon Theatre are challenging local businesses in Wimbledon Town Centre to a pie contest! Which business will reign supreme?

The musical comedy Waitress centre around protagonist, Jenna, who creates some wild and wonderful pie creations, such as Marshmallow Mermaid Pie, Pineapple Upside Down Pie and A Little Wild Wild Berry Pie.

Taking place on Thursday 2nd September on The Piazza (outside Morrison’s), the contest will allow you and your employees to put your baking skills to the test and come down to enjoy a slice of pie after the final judging!

The categories are as follows:

  • Best Looking Pie
  • Most Inventive Ingredients
  • Best Themed Pie
  • Best Specialty Pie (gluten/dairy free, vegan, etc.)
  • Best Sweet Pie
  • Best Savoury Pie
  • Winner of Overall.

Each business may enter as many times as they wish –  perhaps you have several pie-makers among your ranks, so there are no limits to anyone’s creativity! The winners of each category will receive a special gift and tickets to the show 4th – 11th September 2021.

Pies will need to be dropped off between 9-10am at New Wimbledon Theatre Stage Door (93 The Broadway SW19 1QG). If the number of entries surpasses 20, the first round of judging will be at 12pm followed by a final round at 2pm.

All pie’s will be eligible for the overall winner status, but you can select how many categories you believe your pie will fit into or you would like it to be eligible for.

For more details and to enter the competition, click here.

New Year, New Developments

Wimbledon is entering the new year with a surge in positive developments and placemaking across the town. The centre is an urban / suburban hub of good transport links, beautiful buildings, HQs, independents and cultural choice. It is recognised as a growth relocation area for businesses who want somewhere safe, convenient and affordable, the following projects will further enhance this.

Hartfield Walk Goes Green

Love Wimbledon has secured CIL funding of £120,000 from Merton Council to create an exciting new space – Hartfield Walk, to improve the area between Blacks and Robert Dyas on The Broadway. Working in collaboration with local creative business Firecracker Works, the project will see the reclaiming of an underused space being repurposed for the local community, providing a sense of escapism through an amalgamation of planting, seating, market kiosks, new lighting, environmental games and art. As well as presenting a place to sit and read a book in the afternoon sunshine, grab a bite for lunch or meet and connect with friends and family, Hartfield Walk aims to be a space which educates, informs and engages the local community. Through references to combatting air pollution and climate change, each component has been carefully considered to inspire local people of all ages to make a difference, e.g. through art, play, materials used etc.

New Homes and Workspace for the YMCA

YMCA St Paul’s Group has received planning consent from Merton Council to deliver a brand-new YMCA hostel in Wimbledon, consisting of 121 en-suite rooms to promote independent living, alongside an adjoining development of 135 new homes, plus an improved café, gym and fitness studio for wider community use. Read more about this here.

Polka Childrens Theatre Refurbishment Nears Completion 

The UK’s first children’s theatre, Polka has been awarded a Capital Kickstart grant as part of the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund, worth £253,000. This will enable the local theatre to continue with their redevelopment, despite the financial challenge caused by the Covid-19 crisis. With just over £100,000 left to raise to complete this £8.3m capital redevelopment, Polka is due to re-open in Spring with a new café and open-access play spaces, improved physical access, expanded capacity for early years work, and a new rehearsal and community space.

New Forecourt for Theatre 

A new paved front entrance to New Wimbledon Theatre, is due to complete by spring in time for the theatre reopening. The space reclaims part of Russell Road, enhancing the theatre experience by providing more room for theatre goers to meet before or spill out onto after. It creates a better sense of place for this landmark building. The works by Merton Council will also incorporate a new crossing, which had to be relocated. The project was developed through the Future Wimbledon consultation, which Love Wimbledon BID has been supporting.

We look forward to 2021 being a strong year for our town and businesses.

Check back to our news pages and LinkedIn for further developments and news.