The Peckwater Estate sports pitch will undergo a complete makeover, including a resurfaced playing area, new goal posts, improved lighting, and other enhancements.
A popular sports pitch at Peckwater Estate in Camden is set for a major refurbishment, thanks to a partnership between Camden Council, Adidas, Arsenal, and the Kentish Town District Management Committee (DMC). The project is part of Arsenal and Adidas’ No More Red campaign, which aims to create safe spaces for young people and promote positive social change.
The Peckwater Estate sports pitch will undergo a complete makeover, including a resurfaced playing area, new goal posts, improved lighting, and other enhancements. The initiative marks the first sports pitch renovation in Camden under the No More Red campaign and the fourth in north London. The campaign was launched in 2022 to build on four decades of Arsenal in the Community’s work, offering safe spaces for young people and steering them away from the risks of knife crime and youth violence.
A Safe and Inclusive Space for the Community
While the sports pitch remains in use, it requires upgrades to ensure it continues to be a welcoming and safe environment for local residents. The funding from Adidas, Arsenal, and the DMC will ensure that young people and families in the area have a high-quality space to enjoy sports and community activities.
In addition to the refurbishment, Arsenal in the Community will restart weekly football sessions at the site, providing structured training for children and young people. Other partners, including the NW5 Project, will continue to offer sports and wellbeing activities, reinforcing the pitch’s role as a vital community hub.
Camden Council Leader Councillor Richard Olszewski welcomed the investment, stating:
“We are delighted to be working with Arsenal in the Community and the DMC to revitalise this sports pitch. This investment will make a huge difference to the local community, providing a safe space for young people to come together and get active. Camden is home to many Arsenal fans, and we hope this pitch will also help nurture future football talent.”
Arsenal’s Commitment to Community Impact
Arsenal recently published its first Economic and Social Impact Report, revealing that the club delivers 140,000 hours of community activity each season, reaching 5,000 people weekly. As part of its 40th anniversary celebrations, Arsenal is strengthening its commitment to local communities, working alongside partners to create lasting impact.
Councillor Sabrina Francis, Camden’s Cabinet Member for Jobs, Young People, and Culture, highlighted the importance of such collaborations:
“We’re on a mission to ensure all young people have access to safe and active opportunities. On the Peckwater Estate, we’ve joined forces with residents, Arsenal, and the DMC to achieve this goal. A big thank you to everyone involved, including the NW5 Project, for their continued work in supporting local children and young people.”
A Community-Driven Initiative
The refurbishment is a direct response to community needs, ensuring that the Peckwater Estate remains a safe, inclusive, and vibrant place for all residents.
Councillor Sagal Abdi-Wali, Cabinet Member for Better Homes, praised the initiative:
“This is fantastic news for Peckwater Estate. The refurbishment will allow children and young people to make full use of the pitch again, improving health, wellbeing, and community cohesion. We are committed to ensuring our estates provide positive spaces for all residents.”
Voices from the Project
Freddie Hudson, Head of Arsenal in the Community, expressed pride in the collaboration:
“We’re proud that our partnership with Adidas has resulted in a fourth pitch being refurbished in north London, and our first in Camden. Spaces like this are essential in creating a safe environment for young people, fostering a sense of belonging and building strong community networks.”
Jane McWilliams, Chair of the Kentish Town DMC, highlighted the broader impact:
“The country is facing a housing crisis, and it’s crucial that councils work with residents to provide quality outdoor spaces. This refurbishment will help relieve overcrowding for young people and improve both their physical and mental wellbeing.”
Sharley Newitt, Project Manager at NW5, spoke on the significance of the pitch:
“This isn’t just a sports facility—it’s a safe, inclusive space where young people can develop skills, build friendships, and strengthen community ties. The modernised pitch will provide new opportunities for team sports, confidence-building, and resilience.”
A Brighter Future for Camden’s Young People
The renovation works are set to be completed before the summer, ensuring that young people can make full use of the improved sports pitch before the school holidays. Football and other community activities will also be relaunched during the summer and beyond, reinforcing the estate’s role as a hub for health, fitness, and youth engagement.
With Adidas, Arsenal, Camden Council, and the DMC joining forces, the Peckwater Estate sports pitch will soon be transformed into a state-of-the-art facility, providing a safe and inspiring space for the community for years to come.
