Moormead Pavilion

Aim: Help us build a new community space for all. Moormead Pavilion (with toilets, a cafe and storage) will unlock our park's full potential.

Who are we?

This project is for everyone who uses and loves Moormead Park. 

We’re a group of residents on a mission to build a pavilion, and turn it into the heart of our community. The building being replaced was condemned and is boarded up. We’ve spent years working to open a new, modern pavilion in its place.  

With planning permission in hand, we’re raising money to start building. 

We want to turn a dangerous eyesore into a magnet that attracts families, sports teams, runners, dog walkers, schools, the elderly and anyone who wants to feel like they belong.

The pavilion will offer essential toilets, storage and a meeting space for residents and visitors. Not to mention coffees, ice creams and sausage rolls. Getting this far has taken nearly a decade and we’re now on the home stretch.

We’ve consulted widely, and we know you can’t wait to for the pavilion doors to open. 

Help us clear the final hurdle.

Why are we crowdfunding?

To raise money to build the pavilion we’re applying for grants. We’ve already secured £150,000 from Richmond Council. But when we knock on other doors (London Marathon, the Football Foundation and other charity organisations) we’ll have to prove that our community is with us. 

That’s where you come in. 

By supporting this Crowdfunder, you’ll help us unlock big donations. We’ll be able to show donors that our community is engaged, and convince them they’re supporting a worthy cause. 

Not to mention that every pound will help pay for a brick, roof tile or window of the new pavilion.   

Remember this photo? From the first community consultation back in 2015. It’s taken a lot of work, and many years, to get this far. Let’s make it a reality and leave a lasting legacy. 

How we will spend the money raised

We'll build a pavilion with:                      

       1 Accessible toilet and 2 'muddy boot' toilets 

     Cafe

 Sports equipment storage 

 Community Space 

 Ice Cream Kiosk 

The right facilities will allow more people to enjoy Moormead Park. 

For some sports clubs, not having toilets is a deal breaker (regulations are strict). For families it can mean picking another park where they can stay longer. 

Secure storage, a place to shelter from rain and somewhere to buy a snack are all crucial ingredients of a community park. With the new pavilion, we’ll have all these facilities, and more.  

The toilets will be accessible (meeting all disability-related requirements) and “muddy boots” friendly. These will be open to all, year-round, and maintained by the café operator.   

Football, cricket, tennis, running and other sports clubs will be able to store their equipment. Folks who just want to have a drink and a chat, will have somewhere to sit and enjoy the green space. 

The new building (above) and below the proposed floor plan

Who will benefit from the Pavilion?

Our entire community. And our neighbours, who’ll be willing to travel a little further for the right facilities. 

Building the pavilion will benefit families living in and around St Margarets for generations. It will be a space for newcomers to meet new friends as they find their feet. It will mean more inclusion and less loneliness. 

Moormead Park lies between St Margarets and Twickenham, straddling Richmond and Hounslow boroughs. It covers 40,000sq meters. Surrounded by apartments or houses with small gardens, it’s a key outdoor space for many. It’s also used extensively by local schools. 

While some clubs use the park, others aren’t allowed to until the right facilities are in place (mainly toilets and storage space). A pavilion will also make the area safer for children and teenagers who pass through or use the park to meet friends.  

In an area where around three out of 10 residents are living alone, being able to meet neighbours and socialise at the pavilion will reduce loneliness and isolation. 

Currently the park hosts:

Sporting activities:

Junior Park Run - the only junior running event in the borough it attracts up to 130 children, plus parents and grandparents. 

Football -  infant and junior clubs (over 350 people plus coaches).

Moormead Cricket Club - with over 280 children and 35 adults, run by volunteers. 

Tennis - Four newly renovated courts offering coached sessions and free play.

One Element - the outdoor fitness community - HIIT classes in the park for adults https://www.one-element.co.uk/ 

Personal PT sessions - run by local trainers.

Playground - a well used space for children especially as it is located between three infant and junior schools.

Outdoor Gym - free to use.

Playing fields for local schools - St Stephens and St Richard Reynolds.

Social:

Dog walkers and walkers - the park is on the River Crane walk. 

Picnics and social gatherings - many residents use to space to meet up with family and friends.

St Margarets Fair - an annual event attended by hundreds of local people and a key date in the social calendar for many.

Future New Activities

Increasing Girls Sport:
Twickenham Cygnets - the local girls football team started out at Moormead, and now has over 235 girls (from U8 - U18). They had to relocate due to Surrey Football Leagues requirement for toilet facilities. They're keen to return to our park, and take advantage of the additional pitches as the club grows.

Disability/Elderly Sporting Activities:

Walking Rugby or Football: Just over 15% of the local population are over the age of 65. As things stand, the park is not fully accessible. It doesn’t have an indoor space for people to rest, nor does it have toilets. We’re going to change that so everyone can enjoy the park and stay healthy.  

Social and Community Space:

New Indoor Activities – Residents will be able to book the pavilion for things like yoga or pre/post-natal exercise and parents’ groups. The doors will also open for groups like HANDS, a local organisation that supports the elderly to live independently. Charities will be able to use it as a community hub.

Alongside the elderly, there is a need for a safe space for the youth, as currently there is a lack of provision for this age group in the area. 

Special Community Events:

We’re planning to run events like dementia-friendly cinema, music nights, quiz evenings and food festivals. The pavilion will be perfect for special lunches for senior members of our community.

Our Project and the Environment

The new building is sustainable and aligns with Richmond borough’s Climate Change Strategy. It’s designed by 50 Degrees North, a local architect. 

It will have: 

• solar electricity  
• an air source heat pump, to cut down its carbon footprint
• a meadow roof to promote bio-diversity and create a net gain in wildlife habitat, plus reducing surface water discharge
• low water consumption taps and other fittings
• triple glazing and high levels of insulation
• energy-efficient lighting and appliances.

How can you help?

There are many ways for you to get involved. Most people: 

Pledge: We can’t do this without you. Help us hit our build target and let your donation show your support for this community project. The more pledges we get, the better our chances are of unlocking charity grants. 

Spread the word: Be our megaphone. WhatsApp your groups, post on social media, tell your neighbours and help us reach as many people as we can. Tell your friends to get behind Moormead Pavilion.  

Offer rewards: This one’s great for local businesses or residents who can donate something we can use in our fundraising. It might be something off the shelf, a voucher or a workshop. If it makes a great raffle prize, we’d love to team up with you. You’ll get a shout-out. 

Fundraise: Roll up your sleeves and turn your idea into a fun fundraiser. Whether you bake cookies, run a race or organise a raffle, we’d love your support. Setting up your own fundraising page takes a few minutes. Contact us and we’ll get you started. (Use the “contact project” button.) 

A huge thanks to all the local businesses and residents who’ve already offered rewards for our crowdfunding. Take a look and decide which one you’re going after.