Wimbledon Town Centre

In collaboration with Love Wimbledon and Merton Council, our team embarked on a project aimed at developing a comprehensive signage and parking signage strategy for the town of Wimbledon. The driving force behind this initiative was the pressing need to provide clearer signage for car parks, reducing confusion among road users in the town center. Many visitors and commuters often found it challenging to identify the most suitable car park for their destination.

At the project’s outset, extensive stakeholder engagement was initiated, involving car park operators and other relevant parties. The goal was to gain a deep understanding of the existing issues faced in Wimbledon concerning parking signage. To address these challenges, a thorough navigation survey of all the car parks in Wimbledon was conducted, assessing their specific requirements for effective signage. Collaboration with various car park owners, both private and local authority-operated, resulted in the development of a comprehensive signage package designed to unify the parking options available in the town.

In addition to the car park signage strategy, an assessment of the existing Advanced Directional Signage (ADS) within a 3-mile radius of Wimbledon was carried out. This evaluation sought to understand the directional information provided to road users trying to locate Wimbledon.

Upon compiling the findings, the strategy was drafted and presented to stakeholders, including car park operators and the Local Authority, for their valuable feedback. The collaborative approach ensured that the strategy aligned with the needs and preferences of all parties involved.

Subsequently, in partnership with Merton Council, Love Wimbledon, and car park owners, the implementation of the new signage package was initiated. The procurement of the signage package, totaling £40,000, was carried out in strict accordance with local authorities’ procurement guidelines, ensuring transparency and compliance.

In parallel with the parking signage strategy, a comprehensive wayfinding research phase was conducted. This encompassed access, cycling routes, ADS signage, pedestrian guidance, route planning, and pre-visit information. As part of this research, two solutions were proposed to Love Wimbledon and the local authority: either the development of a bespoke wayfinding system or the utilization of TfL’s Legible London package.

The comprehensive wayfinding and parking signage strategy developed for Wimbledon have yielded significant positive outcomes. Clearer car park signage has alleviated confusion for road users, making it easier for them to identify suitable parking options in the town center. The unified signage package has streamlined the parking experience for both visitors and commuters.

The engagement with stakeholders, including car park operators and the Local Authority, ensured that the strategy met the specific needs of Wimbledon. This collaborative approach has resulted in a more user-friendly and efficient signage system.

In addition to the parking signage strategy, ongoing efforts to enhance the ADS signage around the highway network are aimed at ensuring that directional information remains clear and consistent. The proposed integration of TfL’s Legible London scheme aligns with the borough’s policy and will further enhance navigation in Wimbledon.

In conclusion, the Wimbledon wayfinding and parking signage project stand as a successful example of collaborative efforts to improve navigation and parking in a bustling town center. By addressing the specific needs of the area and engaging stakeholders, the project has contributed to a more organized and user-friendly environment, benefiting both residents and visitors alike.