Preferred bidder for redevelopment is W4 Youth Group

The existing changing facilities in Southfield Park

Southfields Recreation Ground looks set to be redeveloped after Ealing Council confirmed the local community organisation W4 Youth as the preferred bidder to create a new sports and community hub.

The new facility would be built on the site of the existing changing rooms at the western end of the park and could include a club house, youth club and cafe.

The W4 Youth Group for 11-19 year olds was founded by Chiswick resident Sally Chacatte following the shooting of her teenage son some years ago, as a way to give young people a place to keep busy with hobbies and away from crime. Set up in 2009, it now has over 300 young people involved in its activities.

Ant and Dec opened their new premises in 2013

The council’s cabinet agreed the grant of a 99-year lease to W4 Youth to develop the space. It will now launch a funding campaign to transform the current area around the dilapidated pavilion into a community and sports hub for use by local people. 

However Lib Dem councillor Gary Malcolm has sounded a note of caution and said the council had not given enough time for the matter to be discussed.

"The Liberal Democrat run Southfield Ward Forum have helped fund W4 Youth on two occasions as they provide a great service to many teenagers in Acton and Chiswick. However it is a shame the Council jumped the gun in not engaging with Councillors, residents and a local residents' association before the Council made its decision to proceed with a sports hub.

"Residents of Wilkinson Way may experience additional noise and concerns have been raised about ensuring that people can still have access to the football grounds and tennis courts which are very popular. Liberal Democrats say that for projects like this it is crucial that the Council get everyone round the table to listen to any concerns at the start of the process."

Sally Chacatte, chair and founder, W4 Youth said: “We are delighted to be the preferred partner selected by Ealing Council to build a new Youth and Community Sports Hub in Southfields Recreation Grounds.  Our aim is to give the local community a centre where sports and social activity brings everyone across the community closer together.”

Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, cabinet member for finance and leisure said: “Growing up in the borough, the most common complaint I would hear is that there wasn’t enough for young people to do.  With exciting high-quality sports and leisure spaces like the one proposed at Southfields having popped up across the borough, we’re showing that we are absolutely committed to transforming the borough and having fantastic facilities improving the quality of life for residents.

“With W4 Youth confirmed as the preferred bidder, this project to bring a sports and community hub to Southfields Recreation Ground is now underway.

“The development is also set to secure the refurbishment of the changing facilities, toilets and see a new café introduced, which is welcome news for local people.”

July 16th 2018