The Old Freemen’s Association (OFA) was set up in 1947 by former pupils of the City of London Freemen’s School, as a separate entity from the School, and was originally focused on sporting activities.
Through an open competition, Reed Watts were selected by the OFA to design their new Memorial clubhouse. Set in Ashtead Park, a Grade II listed Historic Park and Garden, the proposal responds sensitively to the many challenges inherent in this natural environment.
Partially cut into the hillside and clad in weathered timber the building is extremely discreet. Impact on trees and ecology has been minimised by carefully situating the building in a small opening in the woodland.
The compact, folded plan creates an intimate south-facing terrace, shielded from the adjacent road and making the most of the woodland setting. The carpark is carefully organised in and around the trees while a path leads down, through the building, and onto the pitches at the bottom of the slope. Split over two levels the clubhouse is located at entry level, with glimpsed views to the playing fields, while the four changing rooms and associated facilities are located beneath. It is intended that the building can also be used by the local community and measures have been taken to address security and safeguarding concerns.
The site, located in the Green Belt, presented an array of complex parameters including steep topography, numerous mature trees and biodiversity. The site is also bounded by a Scheduled Monument and sits next to an ancient Icehouse.
Design work started in 2018 but was interrupted by Covid and was then followed by two planning refusals. Despite this the OFA and the team persevered and planning was finally granted on appeal.
Sector
Work / Play & Heritage
Location
Ashtead Park, London
Client
Old Freemen’s Association
Status
Planning granted on appeal 2025
