Gwyneth Deakins urges residents to take part in Redbridge Council’s public consultation about what should replace the former bowling club building in Elmhurst Gardens
The bowling club in Elmhurst Gardens closed over five years ago and, as some will recall, there was a proposal for the site to be occupied by a nursery. That idea was opposed by local people because, among other things, we knew the building was unsuitable and there would be problems of parking and congestion. It would have resulted in a significant part of the park being put into private hands. We organised a deputation to the council, asked questions and wrote many letters! In the end, the nursery plan fell through.
The derelict building was finally demolished in November 2025. As it had asbestos and was in a very poor state of repair, it could not be renovated. Since last summer, the local community – as represented by the Maybank Community Association, the Friends of Elmhurst Gardens and Elmhurst for Everyone – have had very constructive discussions with councillors and council officers. We are all keen to replace the building with a facility that will benefit the South Woodford area.
The area of land that belonged to the bowling club is quite large as it includes the site of the building and the former bowling green. Any new development would probably have to focus on sporting, leisure or community use so it will comply with planning regulations, which few would disagree with. Ideally, the new facility will cater for young people of all ages as well as for older folk. And I think it’s not too presumptuous to say that a lot of local people would like to have a café there!
However, there are some limitations that should be borne in mind; for example, there is nowhere for extra parking in the park or nearby streets. Residents overlooking the park should not be disturbed by noise and the facility should be flexible so it can respond to changing demands for various activities.
Of course, the biggest question is money, of which the council does not have too much. But there are a number of possible sources of funding and the first step is to get public support for the project. We can’t know exactly how much money we will need until the local people and the council have reached a consensus about what we want there. It will probably have to pay for itself without public subsidy. In an ideal world, it might generate a surplus that could be used to help improve the rest of the park.
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for us to get a key improvement to public facilities in this area. Elmhurst Gardens is South Woodford’s only ‘proper’ park, despite being a ‘leafy suburb’, we have less open space than most other parts of Redbridge! So, it’s vital that as many people as possible respond to the consultation. We will also be engaging with schools so our young people can make their own contribution to the process.
The consultation is open until 30 January. For more information and to take part, visit swvg.co.uk/egfuture
