Merton Abbey Mills re-launch

Merton Abbey Mills has to be one of the hidden gems we have in Merton. Since becoming Mayor of Merton, I have visited on a number of different occasions, and each time I've not been disappointed. This has included going to performances at the Colour House Theatre; launching the Abbeyfest(a festival that takes place over July and August each year, with a number of different cultural performances including music, theatre, dance and comedy); and more recently attending Kidsfest which had a range of activites aimed specificually at children, and also a ceremony which saw the London 2012 Olympic flag travel 2012 metres from Abbey Mills to the Civic Centre at Morden, where I raised the flag.

This weekend saw the re-launch of Merton Abbey Mills. In recent years, Merton Abbey Mills has seen a decline in numbers visiting, this has been due in part to large-scale site redevelopments, but also changing patterns of spending. The re-launch saw a number of different events laid one to entice people back to visit, including an international food stalls, along with music, and activities for children including a bouncy castle.

At weekends, Merton Abbey Mills has a large market, with a variety of different stalls, but with a special focus on arts and crafts, it also has a number of speciality shops which gives it a uniqueness that you can't find on the High Street. I hope, as well, that many people are enticed back as it's an excellent place to visit, and adds a great deal to the local area. You'll not be disappointed.