Teddington: Udney Park campaigners "deeply disturbed" at news of alternative bid for fields

Post on 27th August, 2021

A group which has been fighting against the development of Teddington playing fields for 7 years is "deeply disturbed" by news that an alternative bid for the site has been accepted. The Friends of Udney Park Playing Fields formed in 2014 and secured the fields' status as an Asset of Community Value while campaigning for use of the playing fields by Teddington's community. In April the group backed a community bid for the fields led by Jonathan Dunn, who planned to turn the space into excellent facilities for local sports clubs as well as a hub for Teddington's community.

But on Friday (20 August) news broke that the community offer had been rejected after the field's owners AHH (formerly Quantum) decided to accept an alternative sporting bid.

Responding to the news, a spokesperson for the Friends of Udney Park expressed the group's doubts about the alternative bid and urged the owners to reconsider.

They said: “The Friends of Udney Park are deeply disturbed to learn that Quantum (or “AHH” as they now call themselves) have rejected the Community Bid for Udney Park and plan to sell to a commercial bidder.

"The Asset of Community Value legislation is intended to deliver a sale to community organisations when a credible funded bid emerges.

"Jonathan Dunn generously built such a compelling and inclusive bid backed by many local clubs, our MP Munira, the CEOs of the ECB and the RFU and Sport England.

"The Friends, the Council and others have fought for the last 7 years to ensure a community-led future for Udney Park, as the original donors intended.

Continue Reading the Article on Teddington Nub News:Teddington: community bid for Udney Park REJECTED by field's owners | teddington.nub.news

Teddington: Udney Park campaigners "deeply disturbed" at news of alternative bid for fields

Other recent news

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

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.

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.