There are few empty shops in local suburb
Raynes Park has been named London's Best Performing High Street in a study of 500 town centres across Britain, taking the accolade thanks to the small number of empty shops – just 2% against a London average of 10%.
The survey was carried out by the Local Data Company. Their report showed that while one in seven shops is currently empty across Britain, in London nine out of 10 are open for business, but this figure was 98% in Raynes Park.
Merton borough council leader Stephen Alambritis said: "This is good news for the area and proves we are getting the right balance as between land for businesses and land for housing. Our intention is to ensure this goes for other town centres in Merton".
Local Conservative Councillor Rod Scott added: "There's no doubt Raynes Park is on the up. There's a good mix of strong retail brands – like Waitrose and Starbucks – but also great independent shops that add to the charm of the area.
"Add to that good schools, great transport links, two beautiful parks, a new medical centre, a much improved street scene paid for by the previous Conservative Council administration, and it all adds up to being a great place to live, shop and work."
He attributes the success to the hard work of Residents' Associations, local businesses, friends groups, church groups and Merton councillors and officers who have pushed through enhancement plans for the area, but above all to local residents who take pride in the neighbourhood.
Other booming high streets included Mill Hill and East Finchley - with 97 per cent of their shops open for business - Kingsbury, Burnt Oak, South Woodford, Blackheath, Hayes, and Barkingside.
September 21, 2012