A unique section of a South London park could finally see upgrades after years of uncertainty.
Wandsworth Council is bringing forward proposals to improve facilities at Tooting Triangle, in Tooting Bec Common, after previous plans were controversially put forward in 2020 and later dropped.
The Labour-run council is consulting on fresh plans for the green space, which has a playground, football pitch, community garden and several buildings, including a boxing club. Works to repair the surface of the football pitch will begin in autumn, to extend its lifespan and make it safer, so that it is ready for use in spring.
First among the council’s proposals for the site are works to reduce flooding by improving drainage, to tackle persistent problems with surface water. The authority then wants to upgrade the playground by installing new equipment. It is already consulting on these plans to gather feedback and put together more detailed designs.
The council is also looking at making access routes under the nearby railway safer, brighter and more welcoming as part of wider plans for Tooting Triangle. It is investigating options to improve the community garden and buildings, including the former play centre, known as The One O’Clock Club, and Balham Boxing Club. These proposals will be brought forward in more detail for consultation in due course.
It comes after the council originally submitted plans in 2020, under its previous Conservative administration, to make major changes to the sports facilities at Tooting Triangle. The plans attracted fierce opposition from locals, as they would have seen people charged for access to new commercial football pitches on the site. The scheme was thrown out after a public inquiry in 2022.
Regarding the fresh proposals that are emerging for the site, the council said it wants to make Tooting Triangle “more welcoming, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone” so that the whole community can “enjoy this much-loved green space even more”.
Labour councillor Paul White, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “Tooting Triangle is a special place for many people, whether you come here to play, train, relax or connect with nature. This is your opportunity to shape how it evolves. As part of our decade of renewal for the borough, we’re investing in improvements, but we want the community to lead the way. Your feedback will help us create a space that’s resilient, inclusive, and truly reflects local priorities.”
