Heritage Lottery Fund gets Wimbledon Way off to a kick start
24th January 2012
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Merton Chamber of Commerce has been awarded a grant of over £45,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to support a tourism related project involving young people, schools and community organisations which will help people learn about and participate in their local heritage.
The project will bring the story of Wimbledon's heritage alive through personal stories, presentations, exhibitions as well as the use of new technologies. All the participating projects will be publicised through web sites, pod casts and promotional materials.
In 2012 the world's attention will be on London in the run up to and during the London Olympic and Paralympic Games. With Wimbledon hosting the Olympic tennis competition just two weeks after the annual Wimbledon Championships, the summer provides a one off chance for Wimbledon and Merton Borough to not only celebrate our involvement in the Olympic and Paralympic Games but to also maximise this window of opportunity.
The vision for The Wimbledon Way emerged through Merton Chamber of Commerce's consultation with the business community and other stakeholders on how Wimbledon should celebrate the Olympics and make the most of the opportunity. The Chamber's discussions centred on something that would provide a sustainable all year round attraction for both regular users and visitors to the town centre and the village. In developing the idea the Chamber brought people together around a common interest and their enthusiasm and input has resulted in a unifying project for business and the community embracing our local heritage, the arts and tennis. The intention from the outset was also to mark and celebrate the area's long association with the world renowned Wimbledon Championships.
The route will start at Wimbledon Station, through the forecourt, turn right up Wimbledon Hill Road, to the Village, turn right at the mini roundabout down Church Road, down to The AELTC and the Lawn Tennis Museum.
Andrew Wakefield, Chair of Merton Chamber of Commerce, said “I believe this is a fantastic project that will not only provide stronger physical links between the town centre, the village and The All England Lawn Tennis Club, but also cement the links between all those that have an interest in making Wimbledon a great place to live, work and do business”
Merton Chamber of Commerce's ambition is that all parts of the Wimbledon community will become involved in the foundation and development of The Wimbledon Way. As well as physically linking different parts of Wimbledon, it is hopep that it will bring together different people and organisations from the community in a celebration of everything that is special about our area.
If you would like to get involved please contact Merton Chamber of Commerce on 020 8944 5501 or email info@mertonchamber.co.uk
