Merton Council's cabinet has approved plans for a new £1,353,000 artificial pitch at Sir Joseph Hood Recreation Ground, with funding sourced from the Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL). The new pitch will host a range of sports including football, Australian rules football and tennis. The site has also previously hosted cricket, which may also be reintroduced at a later date.
The decision was made during the cabinet meeting on 20 October 2025, where adjustments to the Capital Programme were approved, according to the Monitoring Report -2025-26 -Periods 5 - Amendments to the Capital Programme. The new pitch, detailed in Appendix 2, is part of the Borough of Sport initiative and aims to improve existing playing facilities and increase football pitch provision in the borough to meet demand.
However, the project still requires full council approval and hinges on planning approvals, particularly for the installation of floodlights, which are deemed essential for the scheme's viability. The cabinet noted that the new scheme for Sir Joseph Hood Rec. Artificial Pitch will require council approval.
Specifically, the report states that the bid for the Sir Joseph Hood Recreation Ground is dependent upon planning approvals being made for the introduction of the AGP, and that the approval of flood lights are essential to the viability of the scheme.
The Merton Legacy Fund will evaluate projects against criteria that align with the council's strategic themes, including Creating a Borough of Sport
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