A town centre plaza will be officially opened this month after a makeover turned it from a “shabby” corner of Epsom into a burgeoning leisure spot.

Epsom Square, which comprises the former Derby Square, Oaks Square and the Ebbisham Centre, will host a celebration launch party from 1.30pm on Saturday, May 13.

From July: Makeover planned for 'shabby' Derby Square in Epsom despite concerns over tree-felling and loss of heritage

The plaza has undergone a substantial transformation after councillors gave a green light to the makeover in July.

Epsom Square is now complete with a giant umbrella with circular bench-seating to offer shade on hot summer afternoons, a range of shops, cafes and food cabins, and lifestyle and health services.

Three Epsom Square restaurants – Everest Spice, El Patio and Il Grande – feature in Trip Advisor’s Top 10 places to eat in the town.

Epsom Square also includes:

  • El Patio
  • Everest Spice
  • Il Grande Pizzeria
  • The Slug & Lettuce
  • Nando’s
  • Blacks Burgers
  • Selkie Pilates & Fitness
  • Once upon A Time Soft Play
  • Epsom Library
  • #88
  • Snippety Do Dah’s
  • The Cabin
  • Chapters Café
  • Epsom Library Shop
  • Derby Medical Centre
  • Surrey Law Centre
  • WEA

Centre manager Steve Lucas said: “We want Epsom Square to be the top leisure spot of the town – somewhere people can relax away from the busy High Street.

"This should be a space for everyone and the first port of call for any choirs, charity activities or community events.”

From June: Epsom and Ewell's first ever arts festival gets underway with events across the borough

Last summer the square hosted a live music stage for Epsom & Ewell’s first MgSO4 Arts Festival – named after the chemical formula for Epsom Salts.

“The MgSO4 Festival was fantastic,” Mr Lucas said.

“Everyone had a great time, and it really showed the potential of the place, but we want Epsom Square to feel like a celebration all year round.”

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Pic credit: Beyond Communications

Speaking at the planning committee meeting – at which plans for Epsom Square were approved – in July, councillor John Beckett had said: “Derby Square and Oak Square are looking shabby. It is in need of refurbishment.”

Alanna Coombes, former town centres manager at the council, had told the Epsom Guardian she believed the reinvigorated Epsom Square “could make the heart of Epsom more attractive for shoppers, visitors and people who want a fun day out”.

Oliver Clark, managing agent of Savills, the company which manages Epsom Square, added that it was expected that the plaza should have a “café culture feel”.

A programme of free events, including music and family entertainment, is still to be posted on Epsom Square’s new website and social media. For more information visit epsomsquare.co.uk