Wimbledon shoppers can have their say on proposals to transform Centre Court shopping arcade. According to Romulus, the company which now owns the mall, the measures are aimed at, “placing the shopping centre back at the heart of Wimbledon’s community.”
The well-documented struggles of the British high street have been felt in both Centre Court and the town, with several vacant shops including the mall’s large Debenhams store.
Romulus say the planned changes will be “environmentally sustainable”, while turning the centre into a lively, open space where people can meet, eat, drink or work-out.
Among the specific proposals are plans to open up the Queens Road entrance, letting in more natural light and improving its landscaping and pedestrian access.
Better food and drink options are proposed, making use of terraces and outdoor space to increase alfresco dining opportunities.
Flexible new workspaces would also be created for people wishing to do business in the town. As well as shops, new types of units would be encouraged such as gyms, including in the former Debenhams store.
A potential big change would be a new retractable roof, aimed at giving the centre a courtyard feel and establishing it as a place where people would choose to meet.
And a stunning art installation featuring a mass of brightly coloured umbrellas suspended from the ceiling would enhance the entrance area – a similar piece is a popular feature in the centre of Durham City.
According to the centre owners: “Combined, the measures outlined will start the evolution of the shopping centre from a centre that is half empty to a new dynamic hub that caters to the needs of the people of Wimbledon.”
A series of planning applications for the changes are being submitted to Merton Council.
Read more on the Future of Centre Court website and comment on the proposals here.
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