Tooting is located in the South London Borough of Wandsworth. Mitcham road cuts through this neighbourhood, and leads on to London road in the South. Tooting is an extremely multicultural area, with over half of its population (52.7%) coming from Black and Minority Ethnic groups, it is no surprise why Tooting has one of the highest rates of multiculturalism in Wandsworth. Tooting has many shops that cater to its diverse mix of residents such as Asian restaurants, independent cafes, African textile shops, and much more.

Tooting’s name is Anglo-Saxon, meaning the people of Tota or alternatively, people of the lookout place. By the 18th century large country houses began to be built, many of which have survived up until today. Suburban growth began in Tooting Broadway in the late 19th century, due to the earlier opening of Tooting Junction station. Tooting Broadway market, established in 1936, is one of South London’s oldest markets. It has over one hundred stalls selling everything from clothes, electronics, food and drinks, and lots more – plenty to meet anyone’s needs.

There is a crater on Mars called Tooting, and it is indeed named after the town that was home to the crater’s discoverer.

Another interesting fact about this area is that the Granada Tooting Cinema (currently Gala Bingo) was a 1930s Art Deco Cinema, and was the first cinema to be given a Grade I listed status – the same level as Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace!

Since September 2017, it has been reported that around 60% of the crimes committed in Tooting are still under investigation, which highlights a substantial problem with crime and the lack of police resources.

After going through a two-year £40 million refurbishment, Tooting’s Gala Bingo reopened its doors to the public. Another development in the works is TfL’s ongoing plans to pedestrianise Tooting Town Centre, in partnership with Wandsworth Council. In 2020, consultations with the public were held, followed by a series of proposals that aim to enhance the area’s cycling and pedestrian system. One of the proposed changes was introducing a 20mph speed limit on the A24 Upper Tooting Road – Tooting High Street and Mitcham Road, which has already been given the green light. Factoring in additional improvements such as widening side walks and improving junctions, the changes will cost £4.5 million that are very well worth the benefits they will provide the local community. A 15-minute walk from Tooting town centre, a proposal was submitted to replace the now-closed Tooting Police Station with approximately 68 homes (ranging from one-bedroom to three-bedroom), seven of which will have wheelchair access. Many of these homes will be affordable and there is also a focus on sutainability.