Current Condition
Current Condition
Embedded Files
Abandoned site since 2019
Boarded up and vandalised pavilion
Lawns have been left to deteriorate
Large sports area under utilised
Proposed Club
Proposed Club
Site regenerated and appearance improved
Refurbishment of pavilion into club house
Family friendly low cost community sport for all
Revitalising this neglected area of the common
Proposal
Proposal
Public Pay & Play
Low cost daily pay and play sessions. Bookable in advance or turn up on the day
Instructors on Hand
Instructors present to teach you how to play, offering assistance and guidance
Club House
The pavilion would be refurbished back to its original use as a clubhouse with club bar
Community Outreach
Providing sessions to community groups, retirement homes and local schools
The Club
The Club
Publicly accessible pay and play with instructors
Become a member and play for free
Clubhouse and club bar in the pavilion
Club function room available for hire
Closed public toilets re-opened
Refurbished pavilion and seating around the lawn
Community sessions available for local groups
Site History
Site History
2019
2019
February 2019 - Council close Clapham Common Bowls Club due to cost issues
2021
2021
May 2021 - Put in the Park submit proposal to turn bowls lawns in to mini golf course
December 2021 - Large local opposition leads to the refusal of the mini golf proposal
2024
2024
February 2024 - Proposal submitted to Lambeth Council by London Lawn Sports for croquet & bowls club
April 2024 - Lambeth Council refuse proposal in favour of their own proposal to tarmac the bowls lawns and install tennis courts. Note: Lambeth's proposal has since been abandoned and they have no current plans for the bowls lawns.
May 2024 - Lambeth Council offers lease deal for the bowls pavilion to a drama club. An application to planning for change of use from sports to education was applied to the pavilion.
2025
2025
July 2025 - Drama club pulls out of pavilion lease deal before ever occupying the space.
August 2025 - Lambeth signs lease deal with cafe company for the Kiosk (next to the pavilion) which restricts food and drinks being sold in the bowls pavilion.
Now
Now
September 2025 - Bowls Pavilion up for rent for educational use. Lambeth refuse to let out the bowls lawns despite them being abandoned since 2019 and currently have no plans for them.
Location
Location
Clapham Common Bowls Lawns & Pavilion
Clapham Common Bowls Lawns & Pavilion
The abandoned bowls lawns on Clapham Common are located in the Southern tip of the common, close to Clapham South Tube Station. The abandoned bowling pavlion (marked in blue) is located beside the lawns. Just behind the pavilion is a small cafe kiosk (marked in yellow) that has recently been leased to a cafe company but has yet to open. The bowls lawns (marked in red) are surrounded by tennis courts to the north and south, and a large hedge to the east.
Support the proposal
Support the proposal
Contact us via our Contact Form and share your words of support.
Sign up to our Mailing List and select Clapham Common.
Contact your local Wandsworth & Lambeth councillors, the Clapham Common Management Association (CCMAC) and the Friends of Clapham Common to show your support. The relevant people to contact are:
cllr.j.rigby@wandsworth.gov.uk
cllr.l.hedges@wandsworth.gov.uk
cllr.d.hamilton@wandsworth.gov.uk
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