Merton Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Diana Sterck said that when Wimbledon was put on the Olympic map much focus was on cultural activities.
Olympic legacy projects for Wimbledon will launch throughout the year as Merton Chamber of Commerce celebrates 20 years in business.
Lovewimbledon.org kick-started in April and is the establishment of a Business Improvement District (BID) set up by Wimbledon businesses to promote and improve the town centre.
Chief Executive for Merton Chamber of Commerce Diana Sterck said that when Wimbledon was put on the Olympic map much focus was on cultural activities.
Diana said: “We initiated a campaign three years ago to ensure Wimbledon’s business legacy was on the map during before and after the Games.”
Many businesses have supported the venture to improve the town centre.
Part of the projects aim is to direct visitors to the All England Tennis Club from the most efficient from the station on a route called the Wimbledon Way.
A map and way-makers will be launched in May to direct people on the 2.1km walk over the next six months to watch the Wimbledon and Olympic tennis.
Helen Clark Bell, BID Manager for Love Wimbledon, says the walk is as much aimed at tourists as it is for local people.
Helen said: “What we’re trying to get across is that Wimbledon is about more than tennis, some of the buildings are specific landmarks and have heritage associated with them.”
To help kick things off Helen says Love Wimbledon is hosting a Family walk on Saturday May 26 with Living Streets to introduce the Wimbledon Way to families.
The Merton Chamber of Commerce is operating the BID under Love Wimbledon’s direction and are celebrating 20 successful years of promoting local business on Tuesday 1 May.
Diana said their success is down to their multi-functional approach.
She said: “We go over and above service delivery and extend our reach more than just our membership.”
She stated that Merton Chamber of Commerce helps 4,000 businesses a year who aren’t members of the Chamber and they have helped 400 businesses to go green so far.
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