Willesden Sports Ground (Brent)
Brief Description
Willesden Sports Ground was originally named King Edward VII Recreation Ground, and had an outdoor gymnasium, cricket and football facilities, running track, refreshment pavilion and a popular open-air swimming pool with a 'filtration plant of the latest type'. The Sports Centre/Stadium continues to have a wide range of facilities.
Practical Information
- Previous / Other name:
- King Edward VII Recreation Ground
- Site location:
- Donnington Road, Willesden Green
- Postcode:
- NW10
- What 3 Words:
- facing.period.verbs
- Type of site:
- Public Park
- Borough:
- Brent
- Open to public?
- Yes
- Opening times:
- unrestricted (recreation ground)
- Special conditions:
- Facilities:
- Car park, children's playground, picnic/quiet area, cricket and football pitches. Sports Centre/Stadium has swimming pool, tennis, badminton courts, gym.
- Events:
- Public transport:
- Tube: Willesden Green, Dollis Hill (Jubilee). London Overground/Tube (Bakerloo): Willesden Junction. London Overground: Kensal Rise then bus. Bus: 6, 52, 187, 206, 226, 302.
- Research updated:
- 09/06/2009
- Last minor changes:
- 14/07/2022
Please check with the site owner or manager for latest news. www.brent.gov.uk
Full Site Description
Willesden UDC purchased 31 acres at Harlesden in 1909 for public open space, which opened as King Edward VII Recreation Ground by permission of the King to commemorate his accession. The emphasis of the new park was on 'playing organised games'. In 1923/24 the popular swimming pool was described in the Willesden Official Guide as differing from that in Gladstone Park (q.v.) since 'mixed bathing - which is becoming more popular and more general, and when conducted under proper conditions, more to be advocated, everywhere, in salt water and fresh - is permitted during certain times. It is almost superfluous to say that one of the rules for Mixed Bathing is that 'Regulation Swimming Costume must be worn.' The Sports Centre continues to have a wide range of facilities and has been refurbished since 2003, with re-landscaping also undertaken in the recreation ground.
Sources consulted:
Frederick Bingham, 'Official Guide to Willesden', 1923/24
Further Information (Planning and Conservation)
- Grid ref:
- TQ228837 (522814,183738)
- Size in hectares:
- 9.246
- Site ownership:
- LB Brent
- Site management:
- Parks Service
- Date(s):
- 1909
- 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:
- None
Click a photo to enlarge.
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.