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
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
