Community Hub Case Study - Rectory Park
In this next article in our Community Hubs mini-series we’re delving into the creation of London’s first Parklife-funded community football hub; Rectory Park. The project was the first of its kind to be built on London parkland, bringing extra meaning to Parklife!
The home Middlesex FA deserved
Middlesex FA was established in 1883 and has 12 affiliated leagues, serving over 2000 teams. However, they didn’t have a base which reflected their size or history. In their quest for a new and more fitting headquarters the idea for the Rectory Park facility was born.
As LK2 entered the picture we were able to see a wider vision. One where communal spaces, 3G football pitches, other sport and social facilities and a cafe/bar would come together with the new headquarters to shape a community hub.
Space for everyone
‘When a project is limited to one user group it cannot serve a whole community. We at LK2 were delighted to be a pivotal part of the partnership arrangement between Ealing Council, the FA, the Football Foundation, the Premier League and the DCMS, which secured £3.2 million of funding to allow for a multi-user group facility.’ Natalie Battye, Associate, LK2 Architects
The resulting design incorporated areas for work and play, for all ages. A large room designed to be used as a teaching area to support education and training can also be converted for private party function hire. The executive boardroom adds a professional space, giving Middlesex FA the meeting space they’ve long deserved.
Changing rooms and spectator areas sit alongside two new full size 3G football pitches, cricket squares, a basketball court and skatepark, as well as the original grass pitches. The children’s playground and model aeroplane fly zone completing the areas for play and participation.
These spaces were made possible by the funding coming together with a 50 acre asset transfer. Transforming the project from unprofitable to a financially sustainable business model.
Built to be used
The new Rectory Park facility opened in July 2018 and has become a bustling activity hub with a range of users and sessions, including the SEN Schools League, QPR Pan-Disability Sessions, Forget-me-Not Dementia Sessions, Brentford FC and the Inv3ntive Football Academy.
With regular use in mind the pitches were built to last and equipped with Intelligent Play Technology, allowing AI and machine led data to track maintenance requirements.
Here at LK2, we are proud to have shaped this space for both Middlesex FA and the wider public. It’s testament to the scope of our team that we were able to reimagine the original brief into a facility which serves an entire community.
Your Community Hub
If you would like to learn more about LK2’s work in building Community Hubs and follow this mini-series, click here.
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