Fishponds Playing Fields

Overview

The council carried out an initial consultation in October 2018 to help us understand whether you visited the playing fields, what activities you took part in, and your views on a proposal to provide natural play equipment on the site.

We found from the consultation that:

• 43% of those who responded had never visited the playing fields before
• 89% agreed with the proposal to give public access to the playing fields when the site is in use
• 88% agreed with the proposal to provide natural play equipment for local families to use on the playing fields

Why are we consulting?

The council has been approached to consider seeking a partner to manage Fishponds Playing Fields on a long-term lease arrangement. Investment from this arrangement will help to improve the changing rooms and sports pitches and enhance access to the site, which will include the neighbourhood open space.

We want to hear your views about which improved facilities you would like to see at the site. This will inform the next stage of the process, where we will invite groups to bid to maintain and manage the playing fields and to propose any upgrading of the site’s facilities. 

We would ensure:

• Existing users are protected for the length of the contract
• Priority of use is allocated for the outdoor playing pitches
• Sporting activities continue to include cricket, football and school use
• Greater community use and access to the facility

Current arrangements for use of Fishponds Playing Fields

The site is a self-contained sports and playing field venue (see map), currently managed by the council's ground maintenance contractor, Idverde, which manages pitch bookings. There are grass fields for summer and winter sports and changing room facilities. Following the consultation in October 2018, there is new children’s play equipment and open access to the community throughout the summer months to enjoy this neighbourhood open space, however currently this is only accessible when the site is booked.

Hours of operation

Sports Bookings:

• Monday to Sunday 8am - dusk

Neighbourhood open space:

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 7am to 3pm
• Wednesday: 7am to 11am
• Saturday and Sunday: 9am to 4pm

What facilities are currently available at Fishponds Playing Fields?

Fishponds Playing Fields currently consists of:

• Two full size football pitches (hired by local football clubs throughout the winter sports season)
• One cricket square which includes a new artificial cricket wicket (available in the summer)
• A changing pavilion with toilets and two/four changing rooms
• External grounds equipment storage huts and a yard
• A small natural playground for use by the community

Schools use the above facilities and training areas for a range of school sport and PE, including use for sports days in the summer. Occasionally the site has been used for one-off large community events.

Previously the fields have had a junior football pitch and a junior rugby pitch used by local schools/clubs, however this is no longer required.

Please note, due to how the site is used, we are not able to consider opening the playing fields to dogs

Have your say

You can access the online survey below, but if you would like a paper copy, please contact us at consult@wandsworth.gov.uk.

Onsite consultation events

We are holding two drop-in sessions at Fishponds Playing Fields, 91/93 Hebdon Road, SW17 7NW, where you can ask us any questions you might have about the consultation:

• Sunday 3 November 2019, 9am to 12pm
• Monday 4 November 2019, 3pm to 5.30pm