In the six years to 2012 the UK lost 54,000 acres of green space, mostly to housing. That has continued with 215 school playing fields sold between 2010 and 2019. In the case of Udney Park it is not a case of the government selling off the family silver as the land is privately owned. The impact of the site remaining out of use is the nevertheless the same with diminishing areas of playing fields for amateur sport available in the borough.
With this in mind conversations with the representatives of the new owners continue. Mr Wu (the new owner) purchased Udney Park in mid-August of 2022. There are two key issues from the perspective of the Foundation.
Firstly, the pavilion is now deteriorating badly. Vandalism to this war memorial building accelerated during 2021-22 under the previous regime. As a result, water pours in to the building and structural damage is now inevitable unless this is not immediately addressed. The Foundation has been pressing the owner to secure the building and carry out immediate roof repairs. The main roof timbers are Parana pine and are reasonably resilient but cannot be left exposed to the open elements indefinitely. At present there is no timetable for this work so this heritage building remains in danger.
Secondly the Foundation continue to press for confirmation that community sport will be accommodated in the eventual long-term plan for the site. Until Mr Wu’s Architect has developed proposals for tabling with LBRUT any such plans unfortunately remain vague.
I am sorry not be able to deliver more definite news. In the meantime, I appreciate the continuing messages of support.
One person who has continued to take a close interest in the campaign to restore community sport to Udney park is former Thamesians rugby player Adrian Alexander
https://www.udneypark.co.uk/supporters/Adrian was bought up on Stanley Road in Teddington, and went on to captain Quins, and play for England under 23’s and the Barbarians, before moving to Oldham Rugby League. Adrian still lives in Oldham where both he and his wife (Jinny) were local councillors. Jinny went on to be Lord Mayor, but more recently has had to contend with a personal battle against cancer. By remarkable coincidence, the doctor (Dr Laura Cove-Smith) who has been treating Jinny, is the grand-daughter of Doctor Ronald Cove-Smith.
https://www.udneypark.co.uk/history/ Dr Ronald Cove Smith captained the British Lions on their tour to South Africa in 1924 whilst playing his club rugby at Udney park for Old Merchant Taylors. Best wishes to Jinny on a return to full health, and thanks for this reminder of the historical importance of Udney Park.
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
