Archives for 14 August 2025

Have Your Say: Should Padel Come To Westminster?

Have Your Say: Should Padel Come To Westminster?

We’re exploring the possibility of introducing Padel – the world’s fastest growing sport – as a new facility offer in Westminster, and we want to hear from you!

What is Padel?

Padel is a fun, social racquet sport often described as a mix of tennis and squash. Played mainly in doubles on an enclosed court about a third the size of a tennis court, it’s easy to learn, suitable for all ages and abilities, and perfect for bringing people together.

Have Your Say – Your Feedback Shapes What’s Next

We want to know if Padel is something that Westminster residents and stakeholders would like to see offered locally. To help us understand this, we are carrying out a preliminary survey to gather views on the potential demand, who might use the facilities, and how it could fit within our wider sports and leisure provision. No decisions have been made at this stage. Any future development would depend on factors such as local appetite, available space, funding, and alignment with our broader priorities, including inclusion, health, and accessibility.

 If there’s strong interest, we’ll carry out more in-depth engagement to explore the possibilities and shape the next steps.

Have your say and help shape the future of sport in Westminster by completing our short survey by clicking on the button below.

A Street Transformed: Northumberland Place Play Street Launches

A Street Transformed: Northumberland Place Play Street Launches

On Monday 4th August 2025, Northumberland Place (W2 5BS) was officially transformed into Westminster’s newest Play Street and what a great success it was!

Families and neighbours turned out to enjoy a car-free street buzzing with play, creativity, and community spirit. Highlights from the launch included:

  • Playful games and friendly competition
  • Scooting, cycling, and free play for all ages
  • Neighbours connecting and celebrating a shared community space
  • Special guests to help us celebrate including the Lord Mayor and Councillor Cara Sanquest 

Transforming streets, one at a time

Northumberland Place will regularly be closed to traffic during set times on evenings and weekends, creating a safer, community-driven space for families to play, connect, and enjoy the outdoors.

Next, the scheme will expand to Kilravock Street (W10) and Ashmore Road (W9) in Queens Park this September:

  • Kilravock Street: Friday 5 September, 4–6pm
  • Ashmore Road: Saturday 6 September, 1–4 pm

Each launch is another step towards turning busy streets into vibrant neighbourhood spaces where children can play safely and communities can come together.

A resident-led movement with real impact

Led by residents and supported by local volunteers, Play Streets are transforming urban streets into friendly, active place. This initiative coordinated by Westminster City Council, forms part of the wider Active Streets Programme and marks a fourfold increase in Play Streets since the first one was designated (Luton and  Fisherton Street) in 2019 

By reducing traffic, Play Streets aim to:

  • Create safer play areas
  • Encourage stronger community connections
  • Promote physical activity and children’s wellbeing
  • Support cleaner, greener neighbourhoods

The bigger picture

Northumberland Place is conveniently located near Shrewsbury Road’s permanent School Street, one of 13 such schemes across the borough. School Streets close roads during school drop-off and pick-up times, enabling safer, cleaner travel for families.

A huge thank you to everyone – families, neighbours, volunteers, and councillors, and of course the Lord Mayor who made the Northumberland Place launch such a joyful transformation of a street into a vibrant, shared community space.

Want to learn more or apply to host your own Play Street? Visit the Active Streets page to get all the details and application info