The Trust recently cleared one of the two disused tennis courts below Central Square in preparation for its restoration as a green space. An online survey organised by a group of residents has since sought views on the reinstatement of this area for sports use. The Trust had no part in this survey.
The court had been out of use for a decade and was beyond economic restoration. We do not consider that the location is now suitable for a hard-court sports use, not least because of its now-isolated position and inability to meet current guidelines for accessibility.
There is also no evidence of unmet need at a level that would justify the expense of constructing and maintaining a further sports court. While there is natural pressure on any outdoor sports facility in the peak summer period, the two existing tennis courts are even then not fully utilised. These courts, together with the various other public, club and shared courts in the Suburb, already provide a level well above the general provision across Barnet and other boroughs.
Given all the above, we believe that restoring this land to green use as an orchard meadow makes best use of the space as it now is, complementing the adjoining spinney as a continuous greensward on this side of the path. It also reinstates the original use of this area as an orchard, reflecting Henrietta Barnett’s vision for the Square.
In the longer term we would like to rehabilitate the whole area between Central Square and Willifield Way. It will take some time to establish the parameters for a meaningful discussion, but we will then be a position to seek residents’ informed views.