Waltham Forest Council has commissioned a design team to put together proposals for refurbishing the Grade II Listed Cricket Pavilion and Tin Hut buildings and improvements to the surrounding area.

Leyton Sports Ground is an important open space for Leyton and consists of 3.4 hectares of green space including a well-used cricket field, football pitches, as well as buildings for sports and community facilities.

This project focusses on the refurbishment of the vacant Grade II Listed Cricket Pavilion and Tin Hut, alongside potential improvements to public space around these buildings. The Council is looking to invest in the buildings to bring these important historic assets and much-loved buildings back into public use, supporting the long-term sustainable operation of the site.

The plans for the Pavilion and Tin Hut represent the third phase of improvements to Leyton Sports Ground following successful delivery of the two-phased, multi-funding partnership Urban Cricket Hub project over the last couple of years.

The Pavilion and Tin Hut buildings were previously the focus of an unsuccessful second stage Heritage Lottery funding bid in 2019 which would have contributed to the restoration of the building and its envisaged use as a Food Hub. Since then, the Council has started this work to establish a commercially viable option for the long-term operation of the site.

What are the next steps?

Following a two-stage marketing process the Council are in negotiations with a preferred operator - a creative management, production and technology company focused on youth and family audiences. The preferred operator is seeking to provide a mix of uses across the two buildings including:

• A Kids Club in the Tin Hut, providing secure outdoor play space, indoor soft and adventure play, alongside craft and other activities.
• A food and drink service, alongside independent and seasonal pop-up retailers and an esports/ gaming café in the Pavilion.

Find out more about the project so far through our FAQs

How to get involved

We have produced concept designs for the refurbishment and are seeking your feedback to help us progress the detailed designs. You can view the boards and complete the survey on the Let's Talk website. The consultation is open until 11pm on Tuesday 22 August 2023.

Come and speak to a member of the regeneration and design team on Saturday 22 July, 10am to 1pm at Leyton Sports Ground (outside the Arts Block), Leyton Sports Ground, E10 6RJ.

If you have any questions about this project, you can also contact us by emailing regeneration@walthamforest.gov.uk