Tenterden Fields and John Billam Tenterden Recreation Grounds (Brent)
Brief Description
The site, which comprises two adjacent sports fields, is partly public open space and partly sports ground. Its recreational use dates from at least the 1920s. In 1920 an area of land at the west of Tenterden Fields was bequeathed for sports and later named after John Billam; a large flat open space, it had a pavilion built for Selfridge's Sports Ground, which was opened by Princess Wiasenski, daughter of Gordon Selfridge; the pavilion was subsequently acquired by Middlesex County Council and was later in private use. An aerial photograph taken in 1928 shows the sports field and pavilion; the OS Map of 1935 shows the site laid out with playing fields, tennis courts and pavilions.
Practical Information
- Previous / Other name:
- Tenterden Recreation Ground; John Billam Sports Ground
- Site location:
- Woodcock Hill; Preston Road
- Postcode:
- HA3 0PN
- What 3 Words:
- magma.prove.lights
- Type of site:
- Public Park
- Borough:
- Brent
- Open to public?
- Yes
- Opening times:
- check opening times
- Special conditions:
- Hire charges for booking football pitches
- Facilities:
- Sports pitches: football, Gaelic football, 7-a-side (all bookings only). Children's playground, play area. Multi-use Games Area
- Events:
- Public transport:
- Tube: Preston Road (Metropolitan). Bus: 79, 204
- Research updated:
- 20/11/2023
- Last minor changes:
- 22/11/2023
Please check with the site owner or manager for latest news. https://www.brent.gov.uk/parks-leisure-and-healthy-living/parks-and-open-spaces/park-finder/john-billam-sports-ground; https://www.brent.gov.uk/parks-leisure-and-healthy-living/parks-and-open-spaces/park-finder/tenterden-recreation-ground
Full Site Description
The cricket strip was renewed in 2015, and relocation to give more space to the popular sport is being considered. In 2019 Brent Parks Forum, with assistance from Brent Council's Parks Service contractors, planted native whips. There are plans to protect the biodiversity area that has developed within the former cricket net site. The Parks Forum has plans to create a nursery for trees and shrubs to supply to all parks in Brent, as Brent Parks' main depot.
In 2023 Brent Council granted full planning permission to Forest United Youth Football Club (1973) for a new small pavilion to be built on the site of the original 1925 Cricket Pavilion. Other sports taking place on Tenterden Fields include hurling and Gaelic football, as well as informal cricket, now with a local Cricket Team established.
Sources consulted:
Information from Brent Parks Forum; Brent Council Committee Report Item No. 1/01, Planning Committee on 26 July, 2006, Case No. 06/1337. See photograph and information on Britain from Above: https://www.britainfromabove.org.uk/image/epw024763
Further Information (Planning and Conservation)
- Grid ref:
- TQ179877 (517966,187585)
- Size in hectares:
- 6.13 + 4.15
- Site ownership:
- LB Brent
- Site management:
- Parks Service; Brent Parks Forum; John Billam & Tenterden Parks Group
- Date(s):
- 1925
- 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:
- No
- Nature Conservation Area:
- No
- Green Belt:
- No
- Metropolitan Open Land:
- No
- Special Policy Area:
- No
- Other LA designation:
- Southern edge along railway is Wildlife Corridor
Please note the Inventory and its content are provided for your general information only and are subject to change. It is your responsibility to check the accuracy.
