Mark Warren, Mitcham Town Centre Manager

Mark Warren, Mitcham Town Centre Manager, gave a presentation on the Town Centre. Mark is one of two new roles, the other is a market manager who will be starting soon. The Winter Weekend in December 2023 received good feedback from attendees. Around 2000 people attended, and some local businesses also reported increased sales. Food and craft market in February half-term was also busy with positive feedback from stall holders.

Canons House workspace now open to book. Community groups will be able to use the venue free on the last Monday of the month and the exhibition space will also open soon.

At Vestry Hall Grow London is offering free drop-in business support on 25 March from 2-4pm. There will be an Easter Crafts event on 23 March by Mitcham Arts Collective and volunteers are needed for the Chris Frost Memorial Garden needed, please contact julie.noel@merton.gov.uk if you are interested.

SGN works continue on London Road until November. There is a compensation scheme for businesses and Cllr Mundy some Low Traffic Neighbourhoods will be paused to relieve traffic.

Royal British Legion hosting coffee morning on Wednesday mornings. Exercise classes taking place on the Fair Green on Saturday and Tuesdays. New businesses have opened including cafés and restaurants.

Mitcham Matters consultation took place in late 2023 and Mark also did a focused study with under 25-year-olds at the beginning of 2024. A final report due in the summer but in the meantime, Mark has already started to respond to some of the feedback including events, litter picking and improved landscaping. The final report will include analysis of the consultation responses and key objectives for the future of the Town Centre.

A resident asked if Mark had also had feedback from businesses, and Mark said that Greater London Authority grant funding has been delivered through the Licensing team and Business & Economy team and they have been talking to businesses.  Mark has also spoken with many informally. Merton Council will be reporting back to the GLA after the funding ends.

A resident asked about problems with traffic light sequencing, and Mark explained that these are managed by Transport for London, but he can raise problems with colleagues in Highways who can report them to TfL.

A resident said that the shop next to the post office always seems closed, but Mark explained that this was a counselling service that was appointment only so is open but discreetly.

A resident said there was an issue with crossing at Coldharbour Lane near the Windmill Pub as drivers cannot see the lights. Mark said he can raise with the Highways Team but residents can report issues with traffic lights directly to TfL who are responsible for them.

A resident asked about the date for the Mitcham Carnival and if there would be better promotion for events. The date for this year’s carnival will be announced on Friday 24 February. Mark is working with colleagues to develop a communications plan for Mitcham that will identify what kinds of advertising will work. The new market manager will hopefully build a routine set of events people will get used to.

A resident said that the Pawelek Coffee shop is hosing Cuppa with a Copper sessions once a week.

A resident asked about involvement with Tooting & Mitcham FC. Mark said he has contacted them but wants to follow up.

A resident asked about the former Morrisons site. Mark said the site is earmarked for development in the Local Plan and the Council is in conversations with the landowner so hope for a clearer idea over the next couple of months.

A resident asked about the Better Gym site. Mark said they are currently providing one class a week, on a Tuesday, with a six-month lease on the building. Mark is looking for other cultural providers that can use the venues in the town centre, like this one, for events.