News UK has announced a three year partnership with Bankside Open Spaces Trust, becoming a Founding Corporate Partner of Marlborough Sports Garden.
Marlborough Sports Garden, an open space run by Bankside Open Spaces Trust in the shadow of The Shard, is a landmark redevelopment designed to deliver a first-class sporting facility for young people in Southwark.
News UK says it has committed to support the redevelopment of this community sports facility with a contribution over three years.
Just off Borough High Street, Marlborough Sports Garden boasts history dating back over 100 years. It remains a resource for a community severely lacking in usable outdoor space, added News UK. The redevelopment, supported by News UK, will see the free-to-use space become an inclusive community sports hub that provides greater access to physical activity and wellbeing in an area with limited outdoor space. Plans include upgraded outdoor sports facilities and a sustainably built, fully accessible pavilion. The pavilion will house toilets, changing rooms, a café, and studios for year-round community classes and activities.
Currently, Marlborough Sports Garden sees 55,000 visits annually and plays a role in combatting inactivity and promoting healthier lifestyles. The new development will drive annual visits to 75,000 and boost activity participation by at least 50%. Bankside Open Spaces Trust is committed to prioritising access for people who struggle to access sport, particularly low-income families and children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Highlighting the need for improved sports infrastructure, Southwark has the highest rate of childhood obesity at Year 6 of any local authority in England. Additionally, around a third of Southwark’s neighbourhoods rank among the 20% most deprived in the country.
Daisy Dunlop, EVP, director of corporate affairs, News UK, comments: “We are incredibly proud to partner with Bankside Open Spaces Trust on the redevelopment of Marlborough Sports Garden. As a local employer, this initiative perfectly aligns with News UK’s commitment to supporting the communities we serve and to providing opportunities for future generations. Access to high-quality, inclusive sports facilities is crucial for the health and wellbeing of young people, especially in areas like Southwark where the need is so great. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this transformed space will have on thousands of lives over the coming years.”
Charlotte Gilsenan, CEO of Bankside Open Spaces Trust, said: “Marlborough Sports Garden has been at the heart of this community for generations. For many, it’s more than just a sports ground, it’s a place where friendships are formed, skills are developed, and healthy habits take root. We are thrilled to have secured funding from such a brilliant range of partners, who recognise the importance of keeping this space alive and thriving. This investment ensures that future generations will continue to benefit from free and accessible outdoor play and sport, right here in central London. We look forward to working with our partners to bring our vision to life and continue supporting young people, families, and residents of all backgrounds to get active and stay healthy.
"Thanks to this significant partnership, the Trust has secured 80% of their fundraising target for this life-enhancing project. Bankside Open Spaces Trust is still actively seeking additional Founding Partners and community support to realise this ambitious vision.”
Keep up-to-date with publishing news: sign up here for InPubWeekly, our free weekly e-newsletter.
