fbpx

Inventory Site Record

Paddington Recreation Ground (Westminster)

Brief Description

The site was first used for recreational purposes in 1860 when a cricket pitch was laid down by the local church. As a result of the efforts of R Melville Beachcroft, Treasurer of Paddington Cricket Club, land was purchased from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners and the Paddington Estate. In 1888/9 Paddington Recreation Ground was laid out and opened to the public, money having been raised for purchase of a larger area under an Act of 1893, which reserved at least 4 acres for general use, the rest was leased out for sports. The Paddington Recreation Act enabled the Vestry of Paddington to officially acquire the Ground to 'provide the residents with a public recreational ground'. The bandstand in the south-west corner dates from the original layout, and the Pavilion, built in 1888 was originally used as a refreshment pavilion and grandstand.

Practical Information
Site location:
off Randolph Avenue/Morshead Road, Maida Vale
Postcode:
W9 1PD
What 3 Words:
sailor.dome.waddle
Type of site:
Public Park
Borough:
Westminster
Open to public?
Yes
Opening times:
7am - dusk
Special conditions:
Facilities:
Children's playground, toilets, café, car and coach park. Sports facilities: athletics track, bowling green, cricket ground, football and hockey pitches, basketball and netball court, tennis court, trim trail.
Events:
Public transport:
Tube: Maida Vale, Kilburn (Bakerloo). Bus: 16, 16A, 28, 31, 36, 97
Research updated:
01/06/2003
Last minor changes:
14/07/2022

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

Full Site Description

The site was was first used for recreational purposes in 1860 when a cricket pitch was laid down by the local church. Paddington Recreation Ground was laid out in 1888/89, as a result of the efforts of R Melville Beachcroft, Treasurer of Paddington Cricket Club, who negotiated the land purchase with the Ecclesiastical Commissioners and the Paddington Estate. The first stage was a lease on 9 acres on which he organised a Jubilee Festival. Aided by a royal visit and a grant from the local vestry, money was raised for purchase of a larger area under an Act of 1893, which reserved at least 4a for general use. The rest was leased out for sports by a committee. The Paddington Recreation Act enabled the Vestry of Paddington to officially acquire the Ground to 'provide the residents with a public recreational ground'. In 1896 the Recreation Ground was established as a charitable trust enabling it to raise funds for any public recreational' purpose. The recreation ground was subsequently the responsibility of Paddington Borough Council. The LCC provided for other sports including running and cycling tracks. The bandstand in the south-west corner dates from the original layout, and the Pavilion, built in 1888 was originally used as a refreshment pavilion and grandstand, now used as a gym and for meeting rooms. There are notable London plane trees on Grantully Road and railings.

The landscaping in the southern part includes modern shrub borders to the circuit path and a large hedged rose garden in the southern angle, created in memory of Boy Scouts 1939-45 with a grid of paved paths. The landscape in the north is dominated by all-weather surfaces, demarcated from the southern part by a row of mature London Planes. The recreation ground was refurbished in 1987-89 by Ledward Macdonald. 2006/7.

Sources consulted:

Bridget Cherry and Nikolaus Pevsner, 'The Buildings of England London 3: North West' (1991, reprinted 1999); Victoria County History, Middlesex; WCC Paddington Recreation Ground Managaement Plan, 2007-2012

Further Information (Planning and Conservation)
Grid ref:
TQ256829 (525553,182802)
Size in hectares:
10.93
Site ownership:
WCC
Site management:
Cannons Leisure Management, Vista Landscape Management.
Date(s):
1889, redeveloped in 1989
Designer(s):
R. Melville Beachcroft, redeveloped by Ledward Macdonald
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:
Yes - Local Importance
Green Belt:
No
Metropolitan Open Land:
No
Special Policy Area:
No
Other LA designation:
None
Photos

Paddington Recreation Ground

Paddington Recreation Ground - Photo: Colin Wing
Date taken: 18/05/21 10:33

Games Area - Photo: Pamela Paterson (1995)
1995
Paddington Recreation Ground - Flower Beds through a Pergola - Photo: Pamela Paterson (1995)
1995

Click a photo to enlarge.

More photos

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.