Victory at Finsbury football pitches

Campaigners, supported  by CPRE London, have successfully stopped development at Finsbury Leisure Centre

Islington Council has formally approved the withdrawal of its current redevelopment plans at Finsbury Leisure Centre. At a recent meeting, councillors confirmed the existing football pitches and green space will be protected.

This decision follows determined community campaigning, led by EC1Voices and supported by professional footballer Les Ferdinand. Over many years, residents, sports groups, local organisations and other charities have raised serious concerns about the loss of open space for leisure and sports in one of London’s most densely populated boroughs.

Vital role

The council was proposing to replace the leisure centre and build four new high rise buildings on the playing pitches area of the site. This would have included 100 new council homes and 100 commercial flats to finance them.

“CPRE London played a vital role in this outcome,” said Eva Guerra of EC1Voices. “Their insight, encouragement and advocacy helped strengthen our case and gave our local campaign the backing it needed. Crucially, they stood with the EC1V community through a deeply unequal process, reinforcing the importance of preserving open space for the public good.

“We are immensely grateful for their support and look forward to continuing our collaboration as our focus shifts to ensuring protections for this space are properly documented and working with the Council on meaningful, community-led next steps.”

Find out more about EC1Voices, here