The ACV for the sale for Udney Park playing fields was finally triggered on 15th September 2023, when the owners formally confirmed to LBRUT that they intended to sell the fields. A moratorium of six months now commences during which time the fields can only be sold to a Community Interest Company (CIC). LBRUT has confirmed that the Foundation is a qualifying CIC. The Foundation has already approached the owners to commence meaningful dialogue. A selling agent is to be appointed to act on their behalf. There is no obligation for the owners to sell to a CIC but the sale of the fields will be a tremendous legacy, and hopefully an exit can be found that suits both parties.
Whilst this has all been happening the Foundation has continued to have very positive dialogue with other charities who would like to make use of the facilities, adding great social value to the community sports proposal already put forward. The hope will be to develop these discussions once a purchase of Udney Park moves closer to being realised.
Local MP, Munira Wilson, gave an impassioned speech emphasising the importance of retaining playing fields for community use rather than allowing them to be land banked by developers.
I thought that I ought to update everyone as the latest moratorium period under the ACV is about to expire. At this point Mr Wu can market the site again to commercial bidders. Before the moratorium period he attempted to sell the site over a twelve-month period and attracted an offer from a single developer called Mr Williams. This bid later evaporated. No doubt Mr Wu hopes for more meaningful interest the next time around.
The Foundation has received welcome support from the football community as the statements below -
Lee Doyle, CEO of Brentford FC CST
"The Brentford FC Community Sports Trust aims to deliver exciting, progressive and socially inclusive multi-sports participation, coach education and facility development programmes, enabling participants, coaches and volunteers to realise their potential through community sport. The Trust supports the aims of the Udney Park Community Fields Foundation to buy and run these precious playing fields in Teddington"
