Merton’s demographic is changing fast, with population growth and greater ethnic diversity set to transform the face of the borough over the next few years, according to research done by the council.

Merton’s population is forecast to increase by 8 per cent between 2011 and 2017, adding 16,000 people to the borough, analysis by the council’s policy team suggests.

There will be 3,200 more children and young people aged aged 18 or less and 2,900 more over-65s; an increase of 12 per cent.

The number of people in every age group will rise, except for those aged 25 to 35.

Cricket Green, Figges Marsh, Wimbledon Park and Colliers Wood will remain the most populous wards in Merton in 2017.

But Pollards Hill will rise to fifth place, from seventh, with a 4.6 per cent increase in population.

The Black and Minority Ethnic population will increase from 35 per cent in 2011 to 39 per cent in 2017.

The forecast rise in immigrant population follows a 16 per cent fall in the White British population between 2000 and 2011, a 6 per cent rise in the White, non-British population, 6 per cent increase in Asian population, 3 per cent increase in Black population and 2 per cent increase in mixed population.

The data was drawn from the 2011 Census and presented by Eshaan Akbar, policy officer for Merton Council on Wednesday, February 5, at a Love Wimbledon consultation for businesses seeking to improve their understanding of the market.

You can see the full report at lovewimbledon.org/news/2014-love-wimbledon-stakeholder-meeting.

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