Exclusive: Community bid for Udney Park Playing Fields confirmed

Hampton Wick resident Jonathan Dunn, a married father-of-two and owner of local firm J P Dunn Construction Ltd, has organised a bid supported by key stakeholders including Hearts of Teddlothians FC, Thamesians RFC, Teddington RFC and Friends of Udney Park.

The playing fields’ owners, private developer Quantum, announced their intention to sell the site in February this year.

But as the fields are an Asset of Community Value (ACV) they can legally only be sold to community groups over the next six months.

Jonathan is Chair of Thamesians RFC but he says his vision for the site “goes well beyond the interests of a single club.”

His plans include renovating the old pavilion, new cricket squares, a hybrid pitch and sports lights designed to have minimal light spillage or environmental impact.

A jogging/walking path around the pitches and a children’s play area complete his vision for the fields.

Read the Full update on the Teddington Nub News: Exclusive: Community bid for Udney Park Playing Fields confirmed

Other recent news

Foundation submit bid to Mr Wu and support in Parliament

Foundation submit bid to Mr Wu and support in Parliament

Posted on 6th Feb 2024

I have now attended two positive meetings with Mr Wu’s representatives, together with my fellow trustee, Philip Barnes. The most recent meeting was the week before last. An offer to purchase the fields has been submitted. More information has been requested. The Foundation is providing an executive summary as to why the land should be sold, in order that Mr Wu’s representatives can go back with to Mr Wu with a recommendation. This submission will go in this week.

The second meeting was also attended by our local MP, Munira Wilson, who made several robust statements in support of the bid. Munira left all attendees in no doubt as to her position. Her position has also been set out in Parliament on more than one occasion, most recently as link below.

https://youtu.be/FWT7W-EcpEQ?feature=shared

Discussions on purchase of fields due to commence

Discussions on purchase of fields due to commence

Posted on 27th Sep 2023

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).

Foundation to submit bid AND receives a mention in parliament.

Foundation to submit bid AND receives a mention in parliament.

Posted on 14th Jul 2023

Confirmation of the sale of Udney Park playing fields was confirmed in the local press igniting hopes that the fields can be returned to community use https://teddingtontown.co.uk/2023/07/06/teddingtons-udney-park-playing-fields-back-on-the-market/

The Foundation have contacted the representatives of Mr Wu in order to put in motion an offer for the purchase of the playing fields. The site is designated as an ACV, and is currently under a moratorium which prevents the sale of the land to anyone other than a Community Interest Company (CIC) for a six month period.