The results of a public consultation on the future of Warren Farm have been published, with more than 1,500 people having their say.  

Warren Farm is Ealing’s largest outdoor sports ground, but it has been out of use for more than 10 years, and the changing rooms and the pavilions are dilapidated.

It has also become an important place for people in Southall and Hanwell to walk and exercise, as well as an important site for wildlife and biodiversity.

This week (10 August), Councillor Peter Mason, leader of Ealing Council, visited Warren Farm to talk about the future of the site, following the recent consultation with local people.

Councillor Mason said: “Warren Farm is the borough’s largest outdoor sports ground – but it has been out of use for more than 10 years and facilities are dilapidated and not fit-for-purpose.

“At the centre of the site is a huge patch of concrete and dilapidated buildings that were once changing rooms and kit storage.

“This place has become an important place for people in Southall and Hanwell to walk, jog and meet up. It has also become a valuable habitat for local wildlife and a great example of urban grasslands and meadows.

“At the same time, a decade has now passed with young people missing the opportunity to play football, cricket and other field sports on the sports ground, and we’ve got to make sure that the sports players of tomorrow have that chance.

“Our vision for Warren Farm gives people the best of both worlds – a balance which maintains its wild character but also provides much needed sports facilities for local people.

“This is why we launched a consultation in March to gather the views of local people and those who care about Warren Farm.

“We’ve now been able to publish the results of this consultation and you can read them on our website – the address is on screen now.

“The results show that the space is valued by local people, who want to see the rich nature and biodiversity of the space protected in the future, and they also show that people want sports facilities for everyone to enjoy.

“This engagement process is just the first step. We’re committed to providing better sports provision, as well as rewilding and re-growing not just the overwhelming majority of the Warren Farm site, but also the land which is owned by Imperial College.

“Real progress has been made on this, which will more than double the overall size of the area that we can turn into a nature reserve and will be the largest rewilding project Ealing has ever seen.

“Thank you to everyone who took part in our consultation – and watch this space as our plans develop.”

Read the full results of the consultation online at the council’s website. Alternatively, the results can also be viewed on Give My View.