Give Your Views On Planned Transformation Of Wimbledon's Shopping Centre


Several chances to find out more about redevelopment of Centre Court

Wimbledon's Shopping Centre Set To Be TransformedCGI of the entrance from Queen's Road. Picture: Fletcher Priest Architects

You are being asked to give your views on the substantial redevelopment of Wimbledon's Centre Court Shopping Centre.

The arcade opposite Wimbledon Station, which is currently home to over 65 brands such as H&M, M&S, Boots, Oliver Bonas, and Whittard, is set to be transformed by new owners Romulus.

Having acquired the centre in April 2021 the company says it wants to change the inward-looking, 1990s retail environment into a more lively open space.

Romulus is now setting up a series of events, giving people chance to give their opinion to the project team. These include a webinar, two drop-in events and an online survey.

CGI of an Umbrella Sky entrance at Centre Court Shopping Centre Wimbledon
CGI of an Umbrella Sky entrance at Centre Court Shopping Centre Wimbledon


Romulus is proposing a series of initial interventions that focus on four key areas:

1. Placemaking on Queens Road to create welcoming, green and bright places designed around pedestrians. This will include a new community entranceway;
2. A new central courtyard with a retractable roof that opens up on sunny days;
3. Improvements to the existing entrances that include a new art installation by the main, Broadway entrance; and
4. A mix of new uses to cater to the demands of local residents including new shops, gym, workspaces, restaurants, bars and more.

Romulus believe these measures outlined will significantly increase footfall at the centre which it says is currently half empty. Its plans include offering affordable co-working spaces for local start-up companies.

To find out more, you can meet the team in person at two drop-in events. These both take place in River Island, Unit 43, on the upper floor of Centre Court.

The first drop-in event takes place from 3pm-7pm on Wednesday (November 24), while the second is from 10am-2pm on Saturday November 27. An online webinar, featuring a presentaton followed by a Q&A session, will also be held from 6pm-7pm on Thursday (November 25).

Romulus have set up a website - The Future of Centre Court - to provide more information about the scheme.

There is also a chance to win £250 to spend at Centre Court by giving your opinion in an online survey about the scheme.

Alex Woolf, Strategy Director at Romulus, said about the plans, “We are excited to be proposing a number of improvements to Centre Court that will begin to enhance the experience for visitors and businesses alike.

“This is the start of a journey that we want to take with the local community over the coming months. We know the deep affection everyone in Wimbledon has for their town centre and realise the important role Centre Court can play in its evolution.

“By opening the centre up, improving pedestrian access from all sides and attracting new uses we believe our proposals can start to make the changes people want to see.

“We believe that the success of Centre Court comes from placing local residents and businesses at its heart and over the coming months we will consult with Wimbledon’s residents about other measures we could take as we seek to provide the leisure and retail experience that is currently missing in Wimbledon.”

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November 18, 2021