More investment on the way in Tooting town centre

Councillors have set aside £3.5m to fund a range of improvements between Tooting Broadway and Amen Corner.

The plans are set to include more greenery, better pavements and lighting, additional crossing points and the removal of unwanted and defunct street clutter – including obsolete and unsightly phone boxes.

The aim is to smarten up the streetscape, provide a better environment for residents and attract more shoppers as part of wider efforts to boost the town centre’s shops and businesses.

The scheme follows hot on the heels of a similar project in nearby Totterdown Street where work is about to begin on a pedestrianisation scheme to create a new public open space with tables and chairs for people to relax and enjoy an outdoor setting – undisturbed by passing traffic.

The changes in Totterdown Street will provide space for a new street market incorporating food and drink traders and seating areas, with associated greenery in the form of shrubs and bushes set in colourful planters surrounding the seating areas. 

Wandsworth’s Cabinet Member for Transport Jenny Yates said: “We are committed to investing more in parts of the borough which have historically seen less investment like Tooting town centre. This includes making it more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists, improving conditions for local businesses and working with partners like TfL to reduce the traffic congestion that is an issue in the town centre.”