Foodies and shoppers enjoyed an afternoon of music, fitness, food and fun at the weekend at the grand opening of Epsom Square.
The town centre plaza reopened on Saturday, May 13, after a makeover turned it from a “shabby” corner of Epsom into a burgeoning leisure spot.
Epsom Rock Choir belted out popular hits and Glyn School students and teachers played in the jazz band Longcake and the Shortbreads.
Great to see @RockChoir bringing some cheer to @EpsomSquare on a grey Saturday! pic.twitter.com/Oq96VLq3x3
— Excell Design (@RichardExcell) 13 May 2017
Entertainer Jenny Lockyer performed some melodic comedy for the crowds, while Norwegian singer-songwriter Sally Maloy played a set ahead of releasing a new single next week.
🔸#highlightoftheweek: performing and playing a sneak listen of my new single that'll be out in 2 days @EpsomSquare yday! #newrelease pic.twitter.com/0W1lWvypre
— Sally Maloy (@sallymaloymusic) 14 May 2017
Inside, children gathered to hear author-illustrator Zehra Hicks read from her latest book Flying Lemurs, while parents enjoyed a spot of yoga with Selkie Pilates or a tranquil meditation session.
In one of his last acts as Mayor of Epsom and Ewell, George Crawford gave a surprise performance on his banjulele told visitors he hoped they would make good use of the renovated space and support Epsom Square’s restaurants and businesses, making it a successful attraction for the town.
A bit of appreciation for #Epsom Mayor @crawfog2 set. #Encore @EpsomSquare pic.twitter.com/IYr6OctqZL
— Kobbie (@djkobbie) 13 May 2017
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.
Speaking at the planning committee meeting – at which plans for Epsom Square were approved – in July, councillor John Beckett described the old Derby Square and Oak Square as “shabby”.
But 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”.
From June: Epsom and Ewell's first ever arts festival gets underway with events across the borough
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
Got a story? Get in touch at craig.richard@london.newsquest.co.uk
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