Bingfield Park

We are planning to make our borough cleaner, greener, and healthier. As part of this, we are making improvements to Bingfield Park. 

Works to improve Bingfield Park started in July 2023 and are due to be completed in January 2024. All entrances to the park will remain open throughout the works, and where required we will install temporary footpaths.

These improvements are part of the 'We are Cally', an exciting project aimed at creating new opportunities, improving local facilities and unlocking the potential in the Cally. To achieve this we’re working on a number of projects that will help us deliver our ambitions and give the Cally a fairer future including improving the Jean Stokes Community Centre, creating a youth employment hub at West Library and making major improvements to Bingfield Park. 

Bingfield Park Works

The works for Bingfield Park can be viewed in the 'Useful Documents' section at the bottom of this page. They include the following: 
• An under 7s play area to be located to the north of the park adjacent to Freeling Street, themed on Crumbles Castle 
• More bio-diverse plantings and new trees
• A refurbished ball court that is raised to give it level access 
• A second, smaller ball court that will allow multiple games to be played simultaneously  
• A new outdoor fitness area

A future phase of the project will review and develop the proposals for Crumbles Castle, including the proposed skate park. 

A separate project, led by the highways team, is looking at potential improvements to the streets surrounding Bingfield Park. This work will incorporate improvements to the entrances and proposals for a new cycle route local to the park.  

Public Consultations 

At the beginning of 2021 we consulted with local residents on planned improvement works at Bingfield Park. The proposed improvements were broadly welcomed by residents, so we developed the proposals in more detail. In February 2022 we went back to the public with two design options for the layout of the park. The outcomes of both consultations are outlined below, and can be viewed in the 'Useful Documents' section at the bottom of this page.

Outcomes from the March 2021 Consultation 

The outcome from the March 2021 consultation showed residents were supportive of the general layout of the park.  
 
We also asked for feedback on integrating the Crumbles Castle area into the park. By keeping the tower and using the remaining castle structure for other things and surrounding area into a skate park, we want to provide opportunities for adventure for a new generation of young people and maintain the history of Crumbles Castle. 
 
As shown in the feedback, 50% of responses favoured a reimagining of Crumbles Castle into a skate park. This was reflected in the design options in the March 2022 consultation which showed keeping the Crumbles Castle tower and creating a new skate park. 

New play equipment for younger children has also been included in both design options in a location which was favoured by 50% of responses in the March 2021 consultation. 

Outcomes from the March 2022 Consultation 

Residents were asked which option they preferred for the layout of their park: 

Option A (a new 3G football pitch) 

Option B (a refurbished ball court) 

The inclusion of a 3G pitch in the masterplan designs responds to the Football Foundation Local Football Facility Plan’ for Islington (May 2019). Bingfield Park was identified as a potential location for a 5 a side 3G football turf pitch, to address the borough wide shortfall in pitch facilities. 
 
The Council received a number of responses expressing concern about the potential impact a 3G football turf pitch may have on the existing park in relation to fencing, floodlighting and single use of the court. 
 
In light of this feedback, the Council consulted on two further masterplan options which include: 
• An under 7s play area to be located to the north of the park adjacent to Freeling Street 
• Crumbles Castle area to be merged into the park, with partial demolition of the building to create a new skate park
• Improvements to park entrances
• More bio-diverse plantings 
• Removal of proposed additional basketball facilities in the centre of the park
• Both additional options retain the existing concrete walls of the current sports court
• Creation of rain gardens next to the new sports pitches

We also spoke with Young People on the creation of the play area and skate park. This engagement was undertaken alongside the March 2022 consultation to inform the masterplan and give young people a voice in the design of their park.

The outcomes of this consultation can be viewed in the 'Useful Documents' section at the bottom of this page.