Wandle Improvements and Updates
Here is everything you need to know...
Pitch 5 at Wandle Recreation Centre remains closed for safety reasons after a council audit identified hazardous walls and fencing and insufficient clear space around the artificial football pitch.
Wandsworth Council instructed that bookings should stop after changes to make the pitch safe were judged unfeasible at the time.
Most groups impacted by the closure have now been supported by Places Leisure to move to other pitches at the Wandle Recreation Centre. Places Leisure continues to work with groups to find longer-term solutions where arrangements remain temporary or unresolved.
The original planning application has been withdrawn; revised proposals will include a football pitch meeting FA requirements, alongside padel courts, with existing users’ feedback incorporated into the plans.
Questions & answers
1. Why did Pitch 5 have to close
A safety review found that the surrounding brick walls, fencing and lack of clear space beside the pitch presented an unacceptable risk of injury.
2. Could the pitch be made safe without closing it?
We explored changing the pitch markings and installing protective barriers. Neither option was considered feasible because it would significantly reduce the playing area, with concerns that revised markings alone would not adequately address the risks.
3. Where can groups who regularly use Pitch 5 play instead?
Most affected groups have moved to other pitches at Wandle, with some using alternative spaces or finding arrangements elsewhere.
4. Is football being replaced by padel, and when will a replacement pitch be available?
The closure was necessary for safety reasons; it did not happen to make way for padel. Proposals for the space include a football pitch meeting FA requirements – meaning no football playing space will be lost - alongside padel courts. Existing users will be encouraged to feed back on the plans.
Wandsworth Council and Places Leisure have made a major investment in the site, and we're pleased to share the improvements that have already been delivered!
Our newly upgraded fitness suite has been completely redesigned to create a welcoming, modern space that works for everyone. Whether you train regularly, you're just getting started, or you're looking for something that fits around a health condition or changing ability, the new environment features equipment specifically chosen to offer more guided, personalised and accessible ways to stay active.
Upgrades include:
Innerva – Supported Strength Training
Innerva equipment uses air-powered resistance to provide smooth, controlled movement, making it ideal for those new to exercise, returning after injury or managing a health condition. It offers a low-impact way to build strength, improve mobility and boost confidence in a safe and supported environment.
EGYM – Smart, Personalised Workouts
EGYM technology delivers a fully guided training experience, automatically adjusting resistance to suit the user and tracking progress over time. This removes the guesswork from training and provides simple, effective workouts tailored to individual needs and goals.
Life Fitness – Premium Performance Equipment
Life Fitness provides high-quality cardio and strength equipment designed for durability, comfort and performance. It supports a wide range of training styles, from everyday fitness to more advanced workouts.
Pulse – Accessible and Versatile Training
Pulse equipment offers a versatile and user-friendly training experience, designed to be accessible for all users. It complements the wider gym environment, supporting both strength and functional training in an intuitive and approachable way.
This investment is part of a wider programme of improvements at Wandle, focused on creating a space that supports long-term health, wellbeing and community connection.
We'd love for you to come and see the wealth of improvements we have made.
If you have any questions, please speak to a member of the team on your next visit or contact us here.
*Please note pictures are indicative