Surbiton's high street is going to receive £50,000 from the Mayor of London as part of a wider £600,000 funding boost to improve twelve high streets across the capital.

The funding was announced by Sadiq Khan on Friday, 11 July and it is part of his High Street Place Labs (HSPL) scheme, which aims to support economic growth, public spaces, and increased community engagement.

This investment hopes to give high streets a new lease of life after the Covid-19 pandemic and increasing economic decline.

Kezia Coleman, Chair of Kingston Labour, said: "This is great news for Surbiton. We have so many brilliant local businesses, from cafés, to independent book and gift shops. This new investment will help support Surbiton and the local economy for the benefit of everyone."

Johnny Tiddy, from ICON Coffee & Brunch House on Claremont Road, expressed his thoughts, saying: "As much as it is nice to have, £50,000 will not go a long way."

"But I would like it to be considered where we are going to get the most bang for our buck."

ICON Coffee & Brunch House opened in September 2024 (Esme Agius-Kensell)

Tiddy grew up in the local area and has run his establishment for the past two years.

He believes that the high street has unmet potential.

"Surbiton has great access into London, lovely, picturesque walks, green land, the river and lots going for it as a town," he added.

"Surbiton's high street is not the most attractive of high streets at all. It doesn't really have the type of village feel that I suppose Dulwich village has.

"The flow of traffic and the guys on the mopeds that do the food deliveries are just swarming around everywhere and it is just not a very nice place as a destination to come and spend time."

He said that small changes could make a big difference.

"Brightening it up a little bit, or anything that makes it a nicer experience to come into the town would be greatly appreciated," he said.

Tiddy's shop changed from a bar to a daytime café last September, but he says that business remains tough.

"Since I have opened this business, there has been 3 national minimum wage increases plus an increase in national insurance and an increase in costs that have gone to utilities companies," he said.

"There is really little support in helping us to get to sustainable levels or grow."

Other London boroughs that will receive this additional funding include Islington, Newham, Barking and Dagenham.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "I am determined to protect, restore and improve London's high streets – which is why I am so pleased to provide this new funding for boroughs across the capital that will help them grow and thrive."