Community Club: New Home for Stonebridge Boxing Club in Brent

Exciting news! The Stonebridge Boxing Club has finally received planning permission for its new home. This club is important to our community, with over 650 members relying on it. At AC Design Solution, we were responsible for managing the planning process for the old building in King Edward VII Park, Wembley. However, fixing the old pavilion proved to be too costly.

Our Role

Regal London took the lead on the planning application, while we at AC Design Solution handled all the architectural designs. The new facility will include:

• A state-of-the-art gym: This will provide the latest equipment and training spaces for members.
• Physio rooms: Dedicated spaces for physical therapy and recovery.
• Modern offices and changing rooms: Updated facilities to support staff and members.
• A welcoming café: A place for visitors and members to relax and socialize.

Community Benefits

The new building will enhance the park, making it safer and more useful for everyone. Key public benefits include:

• A modern boxing facility: This will serve the local community, providing a place for fitness and sports.
• Better park safety: Increased activity and natural surveillance will make the park a safer place.
• Heritage respect: The new building will fit in with the park’s historical setting.
• Landscape improvements: New trees and better landscaping will improve the park’s environment.
• Sustainable transport: Bike parking will promote eco-friendly transportation.
• Job opportunities: The project will create local jobs and investment opportunities during and after construction.

Challenges and How We Overcame Them

Historical Significance and Design

King Edward VII Park, established in 1913 and opened in 1914, is rich in history with its formal plantings, sports facilities, and various amenities. Designing a modern, high-quality facility that respects this heritage was a significant challenge. Initially, there was skepticism about whether a new warehouse-type building would fit within the park.

Overcoming the Challenge

We held two pre-application consultations with planners, presenting detailed designs and justifications. Through these discussions, we demonstrated how our design would complement the park’s historical character while meeting modern needs. Our commitment to blending modernity with heritage convinced the planners of the suitability of our design.

Principle of the Replacement Pavilion Building

The proposed development replaces 842.57 square meters of designated Open Space, approximately 0.5% of the total park area. While the indoor sports and fitness facilities do not count as open space, they support the addition of a café, enhancing the park’s amenities.

Overcoming the Challenge

We emphasized that the new facilities, including the café, would offer significant community benefits, such as increased park usage and improved amenities. By enhancing the park’s functionality and appeal, we justified the small reduction in open space.

Neighbouring Amenity Considerations

The development is located about 100 meters from the nearest residential properties. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on these properties in terms of daylight, sunlight, outlook, privacy, noise, odor, and lighting.

Overcoming the Challenge

We conducted comprehensive impact assessments and designed the building to minimize any adverse effects. Measures included strategic placement of windows, use of soundproof materials, and ensuring adequate distance and barriers to reduce noise and odor. Our plans were adjusted based on feedback to ensure the development would not negatively impact the neighboring properties.

Compliance with London Plan Policy G4

King Edward VII Park is designated as an Open Space under Policy G4 of the London Plan, which discourages the loss of open spaces. However, the policy also supports enhancing open spaces to provide wider benefits, such as improved public access, inclusive design, recreation facilities, habitat creation, landscaping improvements, and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS).

Overcoming the Challenge

We aligned our project with the policy’s supportive text, highlighting enhancements like improved public access, inclusive design, new recreational facilities, and landscaping improvements. Our design incorporated Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) to manage water runoff sustainably. These enhancements demonstrated compliance with Policy G4 by providing broader community benefits.

Our Vision

Our team approached this project with a vision to blend modernity with heritage. The design respects the park’s historical essence while introducing contemporary architectural elements that enhance functionality and aesthetic appeal. This balance ensures that the new facility will serve its purpose while complementing the park’s character.

Execution of Vision

We meticulously planned each aspect of the design to honor the park’s history. This included selecting materials that harmonize with the existing environment and incorporating architectural elements that reflect both historical and modern aesthetics. Our vision was to create a building that feels like a natural extension of the park, offering new functionalities without disrupting its historical charm.

Working Together

This project is a testament to the power of collaboration. Working alongside Stonebridge Boxing Club, Regal London, and other stakeholders, we ensured that the new facility meets both the practical needs and the aspirational goals of the community. The successful planning approval marks a significant milestone. We look forward to seeing the positive transformations this facility will bring to the Stonebridge area.

Pro Bono Commitment

We proudly undertook the Stonebridge Boxing Club’s planning application pro bono to support the wider community. The club, having relocated five times in recent years, will now have a permanent home. Additionally, we are transforming another site into an MMA ring. Our goal is to provide a place for youth to work out and enjoy themselves. By taking on this project, we aim to foster Brent’s diverse backgrounds. We are thrilled to continue supporting the local community.

Deep Dive into the Project

Our involvement with the Stonebridge Boxing Club goes beyond mere architectural planning. It embodies our commitment to community enhancement and youth empowerment. The new facility’s design reflects our holistic approach, integrating physical wellness with community engagement.

Design and Planning Process

From the outset, our focus was on creating a space that would not only serve its functional purposes but also become a cornerstone of community activity. The design includes a state-of-the-art gymnasium, dedicated physio rooms, modern offices, changing facilities, and a welcoming café. These elements are designed to create a comprehensive environment where members can train, recover, and socialize.

We faced numerous challenges during the design process, especially considering the historical context of King Edward VII Park. Our team conducted extensive research and consultations to ensure that the new building would harmonize with its surroundings. The two pre-application consultations with planners were crucial in refining our design and addressing any concerns about the new structure’s fit within the park.

Community and Environmental Benefits

The new Stonebridge Boxing Club facility is poised to deliver significant benefits to the local community. It will serve as a modern boxing facility, enhancing park safety through increased activity and natural surveillance. The project includes landscape and habitat improvements, such as planting new trees and promoting sustainable transport with ample cycle parking.

Moreover, the development provides local employment and investment opportunities during both the construction and operational phases. This aspect of the project aligns with our commitment to fostering economic growth and sustainability in the communities we serve.

Vision for the Future

Our vision for the Stonebridge Boxing Club extends beyond the physical building. We see it as a catalyst for community growth and cohesion. By providing a dedicated space for youth to engage in structured and disciplined activities, we hope to reduce gang-related activities and promote healthier lifestyles.

TheThe transformation of another site into an MMA ring further exemplifies our dedication to offering diverse and inclusive spaces for physical activity. These efforts contribute to creating a supportive environment where individuals from all backgrounds can come together, train, and thrive.

Final Thoughts

The Stonebridge Boxing Club project exemplifies our mission at AC Design Solution: to create spaces that foster community, promote sustainability, and enhance quality of life. As we move forward with this project, we remain committed to these principles, ensuring that every design decision contributes to the well-being of the community.

We are excited to see the positive impact this new facility will have on the Stonebridge area and look forward to continuing our work on projects that make a difference.

Explore more about our projects and services at AC Design Solution.

You can view the full planning application by visiting the London Borough of brent website