Brand-new grandstand opens as part of council's £1.6million investment in Ashton Playing Fields and welcomes Woodford Town FC back home

Redbridge Council's £1.6million investment in Ashton Playing Fields has reached a significant milestone.

Construction on the brand-new grandstand at the council-owned site in Woodford Bridge has now been completed and will be ready for use once the existing COVID restrictions are lifted.

During an opening ceremony before the COVID national lockdown, Woodford Town FC unveiled the new grandstand, which the club named after Cllr Jas Athwal, Redbridge Council leader, in a surprise gesture. The tribute was in recognition of Cllr Athwal and the council's relentless drive and vision to get Ashton Playing Fields regenerated for athletes, the local community, and future generations.

The council's plans for the site were granted planning permission in 2019 and have delivered an upgraded pavilion with new changing rooms and first aid facilities, a seated grandstand for athletics and football spectators, an upgraded football pitch, new gym facilities, and a multi-use club room.

The stadium will enable Woodford Green Athletics Club, with Essex Ladies, to host British Athletics League Division one meetings. Ashton Playing Fields will offer a superb facility to some of the UK's most elite and exciting track field athletes in the country. Local schools in the borough will benefit from the improved track and field facility, including a new hammer throw area and equipment.

Woodford Town Football Club will also make an emotional return to Woodford after 27 years away. Woodford Football Club's former home ground was situated off Snakes Lane East. In 1993, the club lost its ground and transferred to Division One of the Spartan League. They are currently members of the Essex Senior League and situated at the Harlow Arena in Harlow, ground-sharing with Harlow Town.

Ashton Playing Fields will now serve as the home ground for Woodford Town Football Club. The new grandstand can hold 250 people but will need to be inspected by the Football Association to determine how many can attend safely and in line with COVID-19 national guidelines.

The Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Jas Athwal, said: "We're thrilled that our significant investment in Ashton Playing Fields has provided these fantastic new facilities for local sports clubs and the community. I'm truly humbled that the stand has been named after me. It's one of my proudest moments as leader of this great borough, once I recovered from the shock of the surprise!”

"Our intention was always to develop an athletic centre of excellence that would be a fitting facility for elite athletes, local schools, and the local community. I'm delighted we have delivered just that.

"And what a great homecoming it must be for Woodford Town Football Club after all these years. They are now back in their rightful and spiritual home, and those who want to get behind them will be able to do so in the comfort and warmth of the new grandstand once we return to some form of normality. This is a great day for sport in Redbridge and will benefit people now and those from future generations."

Woodford Town Football Club will play their first home game at Ashton Playing Fields once the COVID restrictions are lifted.