Following a summer of extraordinary success for British sportswomen an all-girls comprehensive school in Wimbledon has celebrated the official opening of a new state-of-the-art sports pavilion.
Broadcaster and presenter Clare Balding took part in the unveiling event, alongside representatives from Ursuline High School, Merton Council and Berkeley Homes who worked together to deliver the new facilities.
The new Morley Park Pavilion includes a multi-use hall and catering facility, three grass pitches and will be used by the local community outside school hours.
It has been built by Berkeley Homes as part of the neighbouring Wimbledon Hill Park development, alongside a two bedroom cottage to provide income for the adjacent Morley Park. The revenue from the cottage this will be spent maintaining the surrounding 19 acres of parkland to the highest standard.
Ms Julia Waters, Head Teacher of Ursuline High School said:
"This is the first time in the school's 125 year history that we have access to a permanent facility. We are passionate about promoting girls sports so this is really a landmark moment for us."
Tony Pidgley CBE, Chairman of the Berkeley Group said:
"Sport is fundamental to a great community. I know how important this facility is to the school and local neighbourhood. It will host all kinds of events and be a fantastic place for everyone to enjoy. I am absolutely delighted to hand over the pavilion today."
The Wimbledon Hill Park development has also seen Berkeley fund improvements to the neighbouring Phoenix Scouts HQ, the creation of a new ecologically friendly footpath and 19 affordable homes.
About Berkeley Homes (West London)
Berkeley Homes West London (BHWL) is a division of The Berkeley Group which develops and builds sites across London and the South East, making a lasting contribution to the landscape and to the communities it creates. The company was established in 1993 and has a strong track record of regenerating complex brownfield sites to create sustainable mixed-use developments. BHWL is aiming to complete more than 900 apartments and houses by 2019.
Its current projects include the award-winning Victory Pier development, which forms part of the exciting, multi-billion pound 'Medway Renaissance' programme, and the landmark Wimbledon Hill Park development incorporating the spectacular conversion of the former Atkinson Morley Hospital.
On the site of the former IMG offices in Chiswick, BHWL is currently constructing Chiswick Gate, which will comprise an elegant collection of 44 townhouses and 78 apartments, framing a new landscaped London square, boulevard and gardens.
In Kingston-upon-Thames, BHWL's Queenshurst development is transforming the former gasworks site into a collection of apartments, duplexes and penthouses which will surround a landscaped garden square and new, public linear park.
The division's schemes have resulted in leading industry accolades including the London Evening Standard New Homes Awards, LABC Awards, First Time Buyer Awards, Big Biodiversity Challenge Awards and What House? Awards.
Continuing in its effort to make use of brownfield land, BHWL's latest developments include the family homes and refurbished apartments at Richmond Chase, which incorporates a conversion of Latchmere House, and the redevelopment of the former Barnes Green Police Station site, which will comprise seven five-bedroom bespoke townhouses.
Dedicated to contributing to the communities in which it operates, BHWL has also been awarded with one gold award and two silver awards through the Considerate Constructors Scheme. Its staff have also raised over £70,000 for The Group's registered charity, The Berkeley Foundation.