New Multi Use Games Area opens in Evelyn Green

· New MUGA is part of an exciting transformation of Evelyn Green using Section 106 funds.

· Investment of £700,000 into Evelyn ward to improve outdoor spaces

· Part of Lewisham Council’s commitment to our award-winning green spaces and increasing physical and mental wellbeing in the borough.

Earlier today, Year 9 students from Deptford Green School joined Damien Egan, the Mayor of Lewisham and Cllr Andre Bourne, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, and other key people involved in the project, to open the new Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) in Evelyn Green, Deptford.

Funded by Section 106 money, the MUGA is a brand new games space for the community with markings for both basketball and football. This is part of the Council’s £700,000 investment from S106 and NCIL funds for the Evelyn Ward to enhance outdoor spaces and encourage greater participation in exercise to improve both mental and physical health.

The Year 9 students were given basketball coaching today by Dijon Joseph, an ex-professional basketball player and community leader and Sam Sure, a local musician, artist and active member of the basketball community. Sam has worked closely with Lewisham Council throughout the court refurbishment as both a graphic designer, technical advisor and as a voice of its users.

Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham said:

“Our new basketball court – the blue cage - on Evelyn Green is just one of the play spaces and playgrounds that we’re improving in Deptford. A lot of people do not have gardens of their own and these spaces are really important. Many thanks to our council teams and partners for making this fantastic new leisure space happen.”

Cllr Andre Bourne, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure said:

“We are committed to investing in our parks and leisure facilities for residents across Lewisham. We want to improve and expand our sports facilities in Lewisham to encourage greater engagement in physical activity. We’re keen to build on our established sporting community with more participation from young people and local schools such as Deptford Green and groups like London Thunder Basketball Club.”

The Mayoresses said:

“This is a fantastic example of the community and Council coming together to deliver a much needed facility for local people of Evelyn. We are delighted to be here and can’t wait to see the area in use!”

Keith Walton, Chair of Evelyn Tenants and Residents Association said,

“The chair and community of Evelyn TnRA wishes to say a big thank you to all the residents for coming together. Through consultation and partnership working we are very pleased to see such a great sports facility for our local community to enjoy.

We’re looking forward to the next two phases with the multi-gym gym and the children's play space.”

The new MUGA in Deptford is part of Lewisham Council’s commitment to deliver wellbeing by putting parks and open spaces at the heart of outdoor activities and healthy lifestyles for all our residents.

For more information please contact the Media Relations team at Lewisham Council on media.relations@lewisham.gov.uk or call 020 8314 9001.

About Lewisham Council

Lewisham is a vibrant and culturally diverse borough. This is reflected in all aspects of daily life, from the response to the pandemic where the community rallied to support our most vulnerable residents, to the 170 languages spoken in our homes, schools and businesses. We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.

As we plan ahead, we are working towards a fairer, greener, healthier and more economically sound future for all in Lewisham. This means continuing our efforts to tackle climate change for generations to come; ensuring that good health and wellbeing is equally accessible to everyone; and safeguarding local jobs and upskilling residents with tools they need to succeed. Building on the community spirit and activism that has helped us through the pandemic, we are committed to creating a Future Lewisham we can all have a part in.