Merton Abbey Mills hits back at increased competition

6:00am Tuesday 23rd September 2008

By Ben Thompson

From all across London, visitors have been flocking to Merton Abbey Mills for 20 years, enjoying a unique collection of arts, crafts and international food.

But the vibrant market is now struggling as big name retailers in the Tandem Centre and Savacentre cast a shadow over the site nestled on the banks of the River Wandle.

This weekend Merton Abbey Mills is holding a bold new re-launch, celebrating the opening of a new complex featuring 13 shops after an extensive refurbishment project.

Visitors can also expect an exciting new line up of stall holders, live musicians and events coming to the site.

The launch party might not attract the same exposure received by M&S last May, after the retail giant rolled out celebrities and super models to mark the opening of its new flagship store over the road.

But Merton Abbey Mills’ new manager, Peter Wallder, believes it’s time to remind Merton and the rest of London the market has something to offer that cannot be found behind the automatic doors of other Colliers Wood shops.

"The history is one thing, then there’s the riverside location, the architecture. It really is an oasis in the middle of a concrete jungle, a great escape.

"With the economy at the moment, the market and its interesting stalls are real alternatives to high street shopping. There are things on offer here that you just won’t find anywhere else."

He added: "The Daily Telegraph once described it as London’s best kept secret and It’s fantastic that with all the many changes in the environment around us, this place hasn’t changed. We’re all about keeping the heritage, the arts and crafts and giving something back to the community."

Peter has recently taken over at the helm of the market, having successfully established and run Abbeyfest - a community festival enjoyed by more then 20,000 people a year for the last decade.

And in that time he has become familiar dealing with Merton Abbey Mills’ multi-national neighbours trying to attract sponsorship and support.

"I think these big stores aren’t helping out enough and I go to various meetings and promises are often made, and help offered but it’s obligation made which is never fulfilled," he said.

"Everything has its place and you do need to have access to places offering fast cheap and economical products.

"But I feel sad that some of the developments around us don’t take into account the impact they have on the community. If they have to exist they should co-exist with us in a community minded way.

"In reality they’re primarily interested in chasing after a fast buck and making a quick profit."

When developers first explored the possibility of constructing the Savacentre on the site of an old paper factory in the 1980s, research suggested 650,000 people lived within 15 minutes of the mill.

New owners bought the site two years ago with a view to tapping into that market. According to Peter, this can be achieved by restoring the importance of art, craftsmanship, and community.

And ironically, a precedent for that success was set by the very first owner of the site, William Morris, by founding the arts and crafts movement from the Merton Abbey Mills textile factory in the late 19th century.

"One of the things I really want to do is develop the arts more, housing artists here and holding exhibitions," said Peter.

"We could become a small arts colony and create a real buzz about the place as a commercial outlet for up artists.

"My goal is to bring back the market to how it was 15 years ago because If we can’t turn the corner now, there’s a real possibility we won’t be able to survive."

The Merton Abbey Mills re-launch takes place on Saturday and Sunday, for more information, email peter@wheelhouse.org.uk.