In fact, the Wimbledon town centre and shopping area traces its origins back to the Iron age. Also the origin of the name has been suggested by some historians. It is to being a combination of Wimbaldus, possibly the name of the original owners of the land, and Dune which in the Saxon language means a hill. Nowadays a leafy and popular suburb in the south west area of London. Wimbledon Town Centre sprung up around the train station with the arrival of the railways to Wimbledon 1838, serving the south west region of London.
Accordingly, the original village remained at the top of the Wimbledon Hill Road, whilst the town centre developed along The Broadway with the station and main Centre Court Shopping Centre at the heart of the development. So, the shopping complex has a range of high street and luxury shops. Also it includes parking for 760 cars. In addition, it is fronted by an Art Deco town hall. And on one side and on the other, a fire station, church and magistrates court are situated. Wimbledon town centre has two department stores – Debenhams in Centre Court Centre and nearby, the famous independent store Ely’s.
Cultural Life in Wimbledon
Especially, the town centre is a thriving hub of hundreds of shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, an Odeon IMAX cinema, plus an art house Curzon cinema, the New Wimbledon theatre for pantomimes and West End shows on tour, and at the end of The Broadway, the Polka Theatre for children. In addition, at night the town centre has a range of bars and restaurants close to the station and through the main shopping district.
In addition, there are a number of interesting features to be found in the town centre of Wimbledon. Such as The Stag, by artist Isabelle Southwood, located in the station forecourt. Also opposite the station and shopping complex is a golden post box in honour of local resident Olympic gold medallist rower Sophie Hoskin. Also the Two Fat Ladies statue by Andre Wallace can be found located outside Centre Court Shopping Centre.