Riverside Youth Club
Works to expand Watergate School and provide a new adventure playground and multi-use games area on the Dumps site started on Monday 14 April, with the removal of the old adventure play equipment scheduled to start on Tuesday 22 April.
As part of this project, a new and improved adventure play facility will be provided, along with a high-quality multi-use games area and adjacent natural play space.
The project is expected to reach completion in late spring 2026, with play facilities available for the summer holidays and school facilities open for the start of the autumn term. Throughout the works, every effort will be made to minimise disruption to the school and local community, and youth service provision will continue onsite for as long as feasibly possible.
Renovation work began in autumn 2023 and will see the creation of a state-of-the-art 3G football pitch and games area, indoor sports and gym areas and much more – all for use by young people and the local community. The revitalised Riverside Youth Club is expected to open its doors in spring 2025.
Project partners
The £1.2M project is being delivered by Lewisham Council in partnership with Youth First and Millwall Community Trust. This has been made possible by a generous £745,000 grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation. This was supported by a further public campaign led by Youth First resulting in substantial donations from private donors and local trusts and foundations to secure the award.
Local young people have played a key role in shaping the plans by taking part in consultation and engagement activities, and we will continue to consult with young people and the community in shaping the look and feel of spaces and the activities. This will ensure that the redevelopment meets their needs.
Frequently asked questions
How can people get involved in the project?
This is an exciting new facility for local young people, and as such we want them to have the opportunity to be involved and have a sense of ownership. Through our project partners Youth First, we will be working with young people to help co-design the look, feel and some of the features of the building. There will also be other opportunities to be involved, including helping to shape the activities programme that will be delivered when the refurbished club fully opens.
Any young person who wants to be involved can email Lauryn, our Youth Voice Coordinator, at lauryn.yowa@youthfirst.org.uk.
Who is the works contractor?
Re-Gen (UK) Construction Ltd.
What will be the working times on site?
7.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. No Saturday working unless arranged and agreed.
Will there be any impact on the nearby Eddystone Tower car park?
No. There will be low frequency of deliveries and traffic to site.
Latest updates
Thursday 5 September 2024
Contractors have made significant progress since starting major works in January this year – and the project is now halfway to completion. Already, the site boasts a large new extension with changing facilities and a roof terrace, a new main entrance, and significantly improved internal spaces.
Ahead of the planned opening in spring 2025, the focus will shift to completing the refurbishments and a complete overhaul of electrical and heating systems.
Contractors will also install new pitch fencing and floodlighting, and the new high-quality 3G astroturf pitch designed to play like natural grass. Read our latest update in full.
Contact us
- if you have general queries or comments about this exciting project, please email the team on riverside@lewisham.gov.uk
- if you’re from an organisation that is interested in delivering activities at Riverside, please contact: madelaine.wilson@lewisham.gov.uk
- any young person who wants to be involved can email Lauryn, our Youth Voice Coordinator, at lauryn.yowa@lewisham.gov.uk