Inventory Site Record

Stonebridge Recreation Ground opened to the public on 4 October 1902 on land that was part of the District Council's Sewage Farm. It was 'intended to be the nucleus of a far larger open space for the use of this crowded part of the parish'. By 1906 11 acres south of the sewage farm had been acquired and laid out for cricket, football and a playground, and in 1957 an open air theatre was built. In 2000 new gates designed by local children in memory of a Stonebridge community leader were erected, leading to a formal landscaped area with seats, circular paving, trees and beds.

Site location:

Hillside

Postcode:

NW10

What 3 Words:

closed.winks.gain

Type of site:

Public Park

Borough:

Brent

Open to public?

Yes

Opening times:

unrestricted

Special conditions:

Facilities:

Sports facilities

Events:

Public transport:

London Overground/Tube (Bakerloo): Stonebridge Park. Bus: 18, PR2.

Citymapper    
Google Map    
streetmap.co.uk

Research updated:

01/06/2009

Last minor changes:

19/07/2023

Please check with the site owner or manager for latest news. www.brent.gov.uk

Stonebridge Recreation Ground originally consisted of an area of c.4 acres, opened to the public on 4 October 1902 on land that was part of the District Council's Sewage Farm, which was 'intended to be the nucleus of a far larger open space for the use of this crowded part of the parish' (Willesden Local Guide, 1903). The sewage farm was no longer in use when London's sewers were built, and much of the land was developed for housing. To the north of the park is the railway line and the extensive London and North Western Railway sidings, which were constructed here between 1873 and 1894. By 1906 11 acres south of the sewage farm had been acquired by the Council and laid out for cricket and football and with a playground. Entertainments for children were provided and in 1957 an open air theatre was built for summer entertainments.

The park had been more extensive to the west, but was reduced in size when the houses of First Drive were built, formerly the location of tennis courts. National Lottery funding was provided to build The Pavilion, a new multi-purpose sports facility with an indoor hall, reception, changing rooms and floodlit sports pitches.

New gates designed by local children as part of a summer workshop were erected in memory of a Stonebridge community leader, Yetunde Bolaji, who had died in March 2000. Created as 'a lasting memory of Yetunde's passion for involving people in transforming their neighbourhood', the gates were opened by Paul Boateng MP in November 2000 and lead to a landscaped area with seats round a circular paved area and rose beds with some lavender behind.

Sources consulted:

Willesden Official Guides for 1902; 1923/24; 1958

Grid ref:

TQ203839 (520310,183910)

Size in hectares:

?4.45

Site ownership:

LB Brent

Site management:

Parks Service

Date(s):

1902; 1906

Designer(s):

Listed structures:

None

On National Heritage List for England (NHLE), Parks & Gardens:

No

Registered common or village green on Commons Registration Act 1965:

No

Protected under London Squares Preservation Act 1931:

No

Local Authority Data

The information below is taken from the relevant Local Authority's planning legislation, which was correct at the time of research but may have been amended in the interim. Please check with the Local Authority for latest planning information.

On Local List:

No

In Conservation Area:

No

Tree Preservation Order:

Not known

Nature Conservation Area:

No

Green Belt:

No

Metropolitan Open Land:

No

Special Policy Area:

No

Other LA designation:

Public Open Space Wildlife Corridor (along railway line)

Stonebridge Recreation Ground, Entrance gates, June 2001. Photo: S Williams

Click a photo to enlarge.