Community sport in Ealing has been given a major boost with construction work on a new multi-million pound Parklife Football Hub in Gunnersbury Park now underway.
Councillor Julian Bell, Leader of Ealing Council and Councillor Steve Curran, Leader of Hounslow Council marked the official start of the project by turning the first sod at Gunnersbury Park today (Friday 10 August).
As part of the works, Ealing and Hounslow Council will install two brand new third generation (3G) artificial grass pitches (AGP), grass football pitches, an eight-team changing pavilion, sports hall (suitable for Futsal), gym and all necessary ancillary facilities at Gunnersbury Park.
The project has been made possible thanks to a £4 million grant from the Parklife Football Hubs Programme. The Parklife project is a partnership between Hounslow and Ealing Councils, local football leagues, the Premier League, The FA, the Government, the Football Foundation and Sport England.
Once complete, the number of people playing football at Gunnersbury Park is set to soar, particularly amongst female players across all age groups.
The Parklife Hub at Gunnersbury Park is part of the multi-million pound Gunnersbury Regeneration Project, which is delivering the largest outdoor sporting facilities in London, due open to the public in summer 2019. When complete, the hub will also boast a multi-use sports centre and gym, tennis courts and cricket pitches, alongside first-class football facilities. The project has also seen major work undertaken on the park’s historic buildings and grounds.
Councillor Bell said: “Thanks to this latest development, state-of-the-art new football facilities are coming to Gunnersbury Park and will provide opportunities for local people of all ages and backgrounds to play football and stay active and healthy.
“We are committed to providing local people with opportunities to take part in a wide range of sports. Whether you want to play football, cricket or tennis, use the gym or enjoy a walk in this wonderful green space, Gunnersbury Park is providing every opportunity to take part in sports and activities for residents.
“The multi-million pound Gunnersbury Restoration Project is bringing the park’s past and future together with state-of-the-art sports facilities alongside renovation of its beautiful and historically significant buildings and landscape.”
