The multi-million-pound redevelopment of Parsloes Park has moved a step closer to becoming a reality, following approval from the Mayor of London’s office.
The proposed revamp is estimated to cost around £7 million and will see the single-storey pavilion being knocked down and a gym, new changing rooms and a studio built in its place.
Planning documents revealed that the new gym could be open for more than 90 hours per week.
There will also be three floodlit 3G Astroturf pitches with a seated stand surrounding one of the pitches created at the site. The stand will allow the park to host games for a Step Five football club (the fifth tier of non-league football).
Two covered bike stands, an electricity sub-station and bin store will also be built.
The redevelopment is part of a programme involving the Football Association, Sport England, Premier League and Football Foundation which is looking to tackle a decline in facilities across the country.
The project will receive £1 million of funding from Barking and Dagenham Council, with both the Greater London Authority and the London Marathon Charitable Trust contributing £500,000 each, and the rest coming from the Football Foundation.
Earlier this summer, Barking and Dagenham Borough council’s planning committee voted in favour of the plans.
That led to the development being subject to a statutory referral to the Mayor of London, who in turn delegated the decision to the deputy mayor for planning, regeneration and skills Jules Pipe.
Mr Pipe does not need to get involved with the proposals and that he is happy with the planning application proceeding.
In a letter, he wrote: “I am content to allow Barking and Dagenham Council to determine the case itself, subject to any action that the secretary of state may take, and do not, therefore, wish to direct refusal.”
