The Foundation will form an operating committee. The appointees of the operating committee will be chosen based upon the skillset of the individuals and with the aim of diverse representation.
This group will be highly energetic and motivated volunteers aiming to ensure that the fields and the pavilion are professionally run. Inclusivity will be a core principle.
The operating committee will work closely with schools and community clubs to encourage and support accessible and affordable sports, leisure and cultural activities, and in so doing contribute to the health and well-being of local people.
The Udney Park Community Fields Foundation is an entirely different entity from the UPPF Trust. The trustees of the Udney Park Community Foundation have no direct involvement with the UPPF Trust. The UPPF Trust was set up by local residents to oppose the development of Udney Park by Quantum. The trustees of the Udney Park Community Fields Foundation are not responsible for any views expressed by the UPPF Trust and are concentrated on the purchase of the Udney Park for use as playing fields and operating them going forward.
Interested to know more about how the preservation of this wonderful green space is planned to benefit the community read more about our plans or feel free to get in contact with us.
Political momentum for a CPO growing
The Udney Park Trust have released a ‘press release’ updating everyone on the momentum gathering for a CPO of the fields at Udney Park. Local hustings were held as a prelude to this week’s general election and the Trust raised a question regarding the future of the site. It was confirmed at the hustings that there was universal support for a CPO from all parties.
The tragedy of the War Memorial Pavilion has been revealed by arial photos taken by residents. These reveal that under the ownership of Mr Wu the building has fallen into such disrepair as to render future renovation work hugely expensive. The project had been to bring the changing rooms back into early use for the community clubs playing on these fields. There were relatively new boilers and heating systems installed just before Imperial College sold the site. The building interior had been dry – even if the changing rooms needed to be brought up to modern standards.
It is hugely disappointing to report that Udney park is now under offer from another group of investors headed up by local resident, Keith Williams.
Udney Park is an Asset of Community Value, defined in the Localism Act (2011) as "Land is an asset of community value if its main use is to further the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community." The Localism Act states that ‘social interests’ include cultural, recreational and sporting interests
It is now a year since Mr Wu announced his intention to sell the community playing fields at Udney Park.
Any dialogue that there has been has come to an end.
We have had an overwhelming amount of support from the local community, other clubs and organisations that recognise the need for green space.
Questions and answers regarding The Udney Park Community Fields Foundation
The plan for the rejuvenation of Udney Park as a community sports project
The history of Udney Park and how we got from War Memorial Ground funded by a War Charity and the RFU to where we are now.
