Wimbledon Town Centre Serves Up a Summer to Remember

As the countdown to The Championships begins, visitors can expect a giant outdoor screen, deckchairs on The Piazza, popup experiences, giveaways and even the chance to spot a celebrity or famous player passing through town. For the first time, businesses across the town centre will also compete in a tennis-themed shop window competition, bringing the tennis spirit to the high street and beyond.

As the countdown to The Championships begins, visitors can expect a giant outdoor screen, deckchairs on The Piazza, popup experiences, giveaways and even the chance to spot a celebrity or famous player passing through town. For the first time, businesses across the town centre will also compete in a tennis-themed shop window competition, bringing the tennis spirit to the high street and beyond.

“A BID is essentially a partnership funded by local businesses,” explains Love Wimbledon Chief Executive Craig Hurring. “Businesses contribute a levy which is then reinvested into improving the area through events, services, marketing, safety initiatives and environmental improvements. Everything we do is about making Wimbledon Town Centre a better experience for businesses, visitors and residents alike.” Love Wimbledon represents around 600 businesses, from independent cafés and retailers to major brands and office spaces. Every five years, businesses vote on whether the BID should continue, ensuring it consistently delivers value.

The area has also welcomed a wave of new arrivals and investment. Recent openings and developments include Rituals in Wimbledon Quarter, the return of Office Shoes, and upcoming arrivals including Primark and Lovisa. M&S’s expanded Food Hall has proved hugely popular, while longstanding department store Elys celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. Wimbledon Quarter will also welcome a new 30,000 sq ft private medical clinic.

Wimbledon’s food scene is evolving too, particularly through a growing reputation for Asian cuisine. Restaurants such as Ramen Danbo have attracted loyal followings, while newer additions including nanoom and The On by Chan are bringing elevated Korean dining experiences to the town centre. “It’s become a real destination for food lovers,” says Craig. “What’s exciting is the mix of independents and established names. There’s a genuine personality to Wimbledon’s dining scene.”

Hotels are also investing in the area. A boutique hotel is due to open in the historic Bank Buildings later this year, while a larger 300 room hotel development under construction nearby reflects Wimbledon’s growing appeal as a destination beyond the famous tennis fortnight. Increasingly, visitors are choosing Wimbledon  for longer stays, drawn by its combination of restaurants, theatres, cinemas, shopping, green spaces and fast transport links into central London. “You can easily spend a packed weekend here,” says Craig. “Tourists are increasingly looking for accessible, safe and genuinely local London neighbourhoods to stay in.

That community focus is central to Love Wimbledon’s work. Alongside major events and promotions, the BID funds street planting, additional cleaning, graffiti removal and helps to keep the town centre safe and welcoming to all. Its Town Centre Ranger patrols the area daily to help businesses and maintain welcoming public spaces.

Love Wimbledon has also been revitalising Hartfield Walk (the space next to Robert Dyas), refreshing public areas and rescuing old benches destined for landfill as part of its commitment to sustainability and the circular economy. That environmental focus comes to the forefront during Sustainable September, now entering its fourth year. The month-long programme combines sustainability, creativity and wellbeing through repair cafés, fashion shows, workshops and the hugely popular vintage kilo sale.

Sustainable September this year will introduce a new Wellness Weekend at Wimbledon Quarter, featuring talks, demonstrations and experiences from sustainable brands. The festival has become especially popular with younger audiences, many of whom are discovering a different side of Wimbledon through creative workshops, vintage fashion and hands-on community events. Across the town centre, businesses are increasingly embracing themed experiences, including pottery painting cafés, craft workshops and a hugely popular retro football quiz.

As summer approaches, however, tennis remains centre stage. Love Wimbledon’s Big Screen on The Piazza will once again become a focal point during The Championships, creating an atmosphere that combines Centre Court excitement with the warmth of a local neighbourhood celebration. “The whole town centre comes together to celebrate tennis, and there’s a real buzz everywhere you go,” says Craig, “It’s the next best thing to being there.”

What’s On in Wimbledon

Wimbledon Championships

• 29 June-12 July
• The Piazza and Wimbledon Quarter

Jersey Boys

• 17-27 June
• New Wimbledon Theatre

Arthur

• 20 June – 9 August
• Polka Theatre

Love Wimbledon Market

• 27-28 June/ 1-2 Aug / 5-6 Sept
• The Piazza

K-Pop Live

• 28 August
• New Wimbledon Theatre

Sustainable September SW19

• Various Dates
• The Piazza and Wimbledon Quarter