Camdne New Journal - News: Pitch battle rages in Regents Park

Publications by New Journal Enterprises

Home

Archive

Competition

Camden New Journal by SARA NEWMAN
Published: 13 December 2007

Some 200 people turned out at a protest on Sunday to stop plans to develop a sports centre in Regent’s Park – their calls are supported by a 4,000-strong petition

Pitch battle rages in Regent’s Park

Protesters are upbeat as expert advice warns planning chiefs to reject soccer centre

RAIN-SOAKED but unbowed, columnist Sir Simon Jenkins and broadcaster Sue MacGregor joined a march through Regent’s Park on Sunday as protesters stepped up their campaign against plans to turn a meadow into a new floodlit five-a-side football centre.
The protest against a deal between private operators Goals Soccer Centre and the Royal Parks Agency came ahead of a crunch planning meeting tonight (Thursday).
It coincided with new suggestions that the plan will be spiked after planning officials from both Westminster and Camden raised concerns. Councillors in the neighbouring borough will now have to ignore the advice of their own experts if they are to approve the £2.1 million project.
Among those who braved the weekend’s miserable weather were Camden councillor Rebecca Hossack, her author husband Matthew Sturgis and restaurant critic Fay Maschler.
Members of the Friends of Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill also turned up in force.
If the scheme was to be given the green light, a public meadow known as the Holdford House site will be transformed into a lucrative nine-pitch centre and bar pavilion.
Goals, whose investors include Sir Rodney Walker, a former director at Leicester City football club, have already proved how financially attractive the five-a-side football industry is, posting soaring profits earlier this year at a series of similar facilities around the country.
Sixty trees, which campaigners claim provide a habitat for bats and tawny owls, face the axe if the company succeeds. Campaigners have wrapped the trees at risk in yellow ribbon.
Friends chairman Malcolm Kafetz said the park protest was a “strength of feeling” represented by a 4,000-strong petition.
The march went from Hanover Bridge to the site of Holdford House where they gathered to watch Mr Kafetz and Ms MacGregor provide an on the campaign-trail-style interview.
Ms MacGregor, who has lived in the area for 10 years, said: “It has plenty of space for football already. This is purely a commercial venture which is against the rules of the park. It would be an act of commercial vandalism to do this.”
Sir Simon added: “I used to crawl in there as a child and explore the undergrowth. It should always be left as wilderness. It is a really natural space – the only one left in central London.”
Nick Biddle, from the Royal Parks Agency, said: “I think objections on the basis that it’s a commercial partnership are spurious.” He said the development would only account for half an acre of the park. The application will be heard by planners tonight (Thursday) at Westminster’s City Hall, Victoria.

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment: