New South Marsh Community Hub to provide modern community facilities

John Sisk & Son Ltd (Sisk), one of the largest construction groups in the UK and Ireland, has won a £5.7m contract to provide modern changing rooms and community facilities as part of a multi-million pound investment led by Hackney Council and the London Development Agency (LDA).

Taking 39 weeks, the South Marsh Community Hub will not only improve facilities at the home of grass-roots football in Hackney Marshes but provide classrooms for the community, an area for spectators to watch football matches and other sports, plus a café.

Paul Wilson, Managing Director at Sisk, said:

“We are very proud to be working with the people of Hackney to provide these superb new amenities at this, the spiritual home of grass roots football. Sisk has wide ranging experience of sports projects ranging from simple schemes up to the construction of national stadiums – like the new Lansdowne Road - and we are pleased to bring that experience and a committed focus on project delivery to building the South Marsh Community Hub on Hackney Marshes.”

The improvements are part of an ongoing programme being considered for Hackney Marshes, which also include:

• Improved pitches
• New changing rooms on North Marsh and Mabley Green
• Landscaping on the Marshes and Mabley Green
• A new artificial turf football pitch on Mabley Green
• New footbridge over the River Lea connecting East and South Marshes

Features of the new building include community and spectator facilities on the first floor, with changing rooms located at ground-floor level with provision for disabled players. The design was carried out by Stanton Williams Architects and includes features to help it fit into the landscape, such as a ‘living wall’ with plants growing up the building.

London Development Agency Group Director for Design, Development and Environment Peter Bishop said:

“The London Development Agency is delighted to support Hackney Council’s improvements to Hackney Marshes and Mabley Green. The new hub building, together with the planned landscaping and better sports facilities, will leave Hackney Marshes a better place and provide an early part of the legacy promised by the 2012 Games.”

Mayor of Hackney Jules Pipe said:

“The South Marsh Community Hub will provide much needed new changing rooms as well as other community facilities to encourage more people to enjoy Hackney Marshes.
“This is a key part of our investment programme which is using the London 2012 Games as an opportunity to give our residents world-class sports facilities alongside the new venues being built at the Olympic Park.”