Update on the community bid for Udney Park playing fields

Post on 26th April, 2021

It has been a busy couple of weeks since the community bid to buy Udney Park playing fields was announced.

Since then it has become increasingly apparent that there is a dearth of space for community sport in the borough.
More junior clubs are seeking space than can possibly be accommodated on the 12.5 acres at Udney Park, but nonetheless the fields can be a significant contribution to solving the problem.

I have been asked more than once about the Operating Company which will run the fields. Just to be clear, the intention is that this will be a non-profit making organisation with all surplus revenue reinvested in to the facilities. There is absolutely no possibility of a commercial venture, with the pavilion being converted to a pub/restaurant as one person suggested. The 1920’s pavilion will not just provide facilities for the sporting clubs but will hopefully also be a vibrant community hub for local groups and charities. This is a cornerstone of the proposal.

Continue Reading the Article on Teddington Nub News: Update on the community bid for Udney Park playing 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.