Proposal for a Multi Use Games Area at Beaufort Court, Ham Lands
Overview
One of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames’s aspirations is to improve heath, sport, and wellbeing facilities for young people. To help deliver this in the Ham area, the Parks Team is consulting on a proposal to create a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) at Beaufort Court to replace the informal ball game area.
In one simple structure you can give children the tools they need to play games like football, cricket, netball, handball, and basketball. A proposed MUGA at Beaufort Court would have football and basketball facilities within it, with public feedback guiding which other sports will be included within the line markings.
Please see the image below for an example of an existing MUGA at Murray Park in Whitton.
Click here to see a map of the proposed location of the MUGA
The proposed area, although located within a nature conservation site, is near residential housing and would provide benefits to young people and adults within the local community by offering a greater variety of sports than the current facility.
Another benefit of formalising the use of this space will mean a reduction in the size of the existing informal pitch area, allowing us to restore the remainder of the gravel area back to grassland and nature. As part of the rewilding of the surrounding area, we propose planting a natural barrier of native tree species along the boundary to protect the existing badger sett, whilst increasing the existing foraging area for them.
Find out more about how we propose to protect the badgers in this area
The Parks Team have sought expert advice from a consultant from the East Surrey Badger Protection Society regarding the effect a formal MUGA may have on the badgers located around the site. They advised we will require a badger licence if we proceed with this project. The licence would outline all considerations/adjustments that would be required to ensure safe working around the existing badger sett. None of the proposed works would take place in the badger breeding season which runs from 1st December to 30th June.
This project will need planning permission. If the proposal gains public support, we will seek funding and planning approval to commence the project in late 2025, taking into account the badger breeding season.
Features of the MUGA
Please use the dropdowns below to explore the options being considered in relation to the size of the MUGA and the amenities available.
Style of MUGA
The style of MUGA will depend on which sports residents show interest in. Below are some examples of how it might look.
Example 1
Example 2
Surfacing and colours
The surfacing and fencing would be neutral/natural colours to allow this to sit well within the natural surroundings of Ham Lands Conservation Site. The surfacing would be macadam for durability.
Fencing
The fencing would be green powder coated or neutral colour metal to sit comfortably within the natural surroundings.
Biodiversity improvement
As part of this project, we would like to enhance biodiversity in the surrounding area as part of the potential project, some of the suggested enhancements would include:
- Loggeries
- Bee bank – dependant on soil conditions. This would be placed in a nearby location but not impacting the immediate area of the MUGA.
- Tree planting – to provide shade and natural screen and sound barrier in the immediate area.
Native protective planted border
Examples of native varieties that could be used for adding a protective border for the existing badger set include:
- Hawthorn
- Field Maple
- Hornbeam
- Hazel
- Spindle
Have your say
Please give us your feedback using the Online Survey link below. If you need to request a paper questionnaire or any other format, please contact Parks@richmond.gov.uk or call 0208 891 1411.
What happens next
We will consider all feedback when deciding on next steps.
Areas
- Ham, Petersham & Richmond Riverside
Audiences
- Open to all
Interests
- Richmond Borough
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