Market Road Football Development Centre, Islington
Regeneration of an outdated facility into a highly successful football development centre with two full size 3G artificial grass pitches, three small-sided football pitches and new pavilion.
Client
London Borough of Islington Council
Value
£2.1m
Services
Architectural design and delivery
Sport and leisure consultancy
The Market Road Football Centre is in an area of significant deprivation (top 5% IMD) and is highlighted as an area requiring significant economic and social investment. The regeneration of the Market Road Football Centre provides significant social and economic investment and is now one of London’s finest football hubs, opened by Arsenal legend Liam Brady in 2015.
The regeneration work included two full size 3G artificial grass pitches, three small-sided 3G artificial grass pitches and a dynamic energy efficient pavilion incorporating changing rooms, sports education and community facilities. The project is a significant milestone, replacing the first artificial pitches laid in London.
The Football centre is fully supported by Arsenal FC and has had a positive impact on the local community with growth in the number of teams using the facility to over 200 and a tenfold increase in annual revenue. LK2’s Sport & Leisure team secured £1.2m of grant funding to support the scheme.
“The refurbishment of this iconic site has been integral to football development in central London with a state-of-the-art facility which delivers our objectives and benefits affiliated youth and adult London FA grassroots football leagues”.
David James, County Development Manager, London FA