NEW MALDEN high street has been awarded £120,000 to boost its recovery following a period of decline.

The funding comes from the Mayor of London's High Streets For All Challenge which is supporting projects in 15 town centres across the capital.

In New Malden, the £120k grant will go on a project connecting local traders and landlords to create a business forum or Business Improvement District.

There will be a new high street hub to provide a community space for the area and to support new business and social enterprise start-ups.

The money will also go on a programme of community events to take place in the town square at Cocks Crescent, due to open in the New Year.

Independent businesses and local groups will help design the calendar of events and activities.

The programme aims to pay tribute to the area's diversity; New Malden has the largest Korean community in Europe and significant Tamil and Sri Lankan communities.

The awarding body said: "The goal is to make local cultures, histories and stories visible all year round.

"Events and activities will link to seasonal and cultural moments that represent New Malden's communities."

The move comes after a period of decline for New Malden high street, including the loss of its much loved 106-year-old Tudor Williams department store in 2019.

Danielle O'Shaughnessy, Community Connector with the New Malden Town Centre Partnership, said: "We have all been concerned about the decline of the High Street, in particular the closure of the Department store, Tudor Williams, and a number of banks - so we were delighted to hear that we have secured funding from the Mayor of London High Streets for All Challenge.

"We are looking forward to some great new ideas and projects that will enhance the town centre and place it firmly on London's map."

Kingston Council is also working on wider regeneration projects for the town such as the creation of a new 'pocket park' and a new community leisure and wellbeing hub.

Kingston Councillor John Sweeney, Portfolio Holder for Business and Leisure, added: "New Malden is one of South West London's most unique and diverse town centres, and we are delighted to have been awarded this funding by the GLA to help drive recovery and provide the area with the vibrant culture scene that it deserves.

"Put on by and for New Malden's communities, the programme of events is particularly exciting.

"Through these events and the other projects taking place, we want to celebrate the New Malden that has attracted - and continues to attract - so many communities from around the world."

For more information or to volunteer to take part in any of these events, get in touch with Danielle by emailing [email protected].

Read more about New Malden regeneration here