Calls for Starmer and Arsenal F.C. to save Finsbury football pitches from demolition by Islington Council

EC1VOICES, a grassroots campaign group, is urgently calling on the Prime Minister, Mayor Sadiq Khan and City of London leaders to intervene and prevent the destruction of four vital five-a-side football pitches at the Finsbury Leisure Centre.

By EC1VOICES

A large group of people in football kits on a football pitch, holding cards that spell out 'Listen! Save the pitches!' — Hundreds of footballers have joined the campaign to save the Finsbury pitches from the bulldozers.

EC1VOICES, a grassroots campaign group, is urgently calling on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Mayor Sadiq Khan and City of London leaders to intervene and prevent the destruction of four vital five-a-side football pitches at the Finsbury Leisure Centre. Starmer, a well-known five-a-side football player, is being urged to step in and help preserve the site for future generations.

The Threat to Finsbury’s Football Pitches

The proposal, which includes 100 new council homes and 98 private homes in a massive 20-storey tower block, has sparked outrage among residents and campaigners, who argue that the loss of open, recreational space will further erode the borough’s already scant green areas. The plan also involves replacing the Finsbury Leisure Centre and adding rooftop football pitches, but campaigners fear these will not provide the same level of access and quality as the current street-level pitches.

Islington Council has submitted the plans to its own planning committee, which will vote on the controversial development in the coming months. EC1VOICES is calling for an extension to the consultation period, citing technical problems with the council’s online portal that have prevented many residents from submitting their views. As it stands, protestors only have until November 30th to submit objections by email to: [email protected].

two photos showing the pitches as they are, and the proposed plans — Islington Council plans to demolish the popular pitches (left) and replace them with luxury flats in a 20-storey tower block and 100 social housing units (right).

Football, Community, and Crime Prevention

The EC1VOICES campaign is also calling on major football organisations and clubs, including Arsenal, to join the fight to save the pitches. Arsenal, located in Islington, has demonstrated its commitment to supporting young people through its “No More Red” initiative, which aims to keep youth away from crime and gang violence by offering positive alternatives like football.

EC1VOICES spokesperson, Eva Guerra, noted: “We know that Arsenal community teams use the Finsbury pitches. We need Arsenal, as a local football giant, to stand with us in protecting this vital community space. It’s about more than just football – these pitches provide a safe, healthy environment for local kids and amateur players alike.”

With a growing number of young people, particularly girls, taking up football, the loss of these pitches would hit the local community hard. “Taking away free, public access to sports facilities is counterproductive, especially at a time when local governments should be doing everything they can to encourage physical activity,” Guerra added.

“We recognise the need for more social housing in Islington. But destroying vital leisure and sports facilities isn’t the way to achieve that objective.”

Financial Viability in Question

Concerns are mounting over the financial feasibility of the £157.6 million project, especially as only £22.4 million (14%) of the budget is allocated for constructing the new leisure centre and GP surgery. Islington Council plans to borrow £47.764 million to fund the development, which includes:

£4.971 million borrowed against Medical Centre income,
£33.394 million in approved borrowing (HRA and General Fund),
£9.399 million as additional, unfunded borrowing (General Fund).

Furthermore, the council will incur an additional borrowing cost of £1.563 million during construction. This extensive borrowing poses long-term financial risks, with potential impacts on taxpayers across the borough, who may face higher taxes or cuts to essential services. Given the council’s projected income for 2024/25 is £856.205 million, the strain of these loans could lead to serious financial implications for Islington residents.

Public Support Growing

Since the campaign began, EC1VOICES has raised nearly £13,000 in donations to fund its fight. Over 4,000 people have signed a petition to save the pitches. The group is calling on more residents to voice their objections to Islington Council.

“This isn’t just about one set of football pitches. It’s about protecting the few green spaces left in our city,” Guerra said. “London’s councils need to stop viewing public land as a disposable asset and start recognising the long-term benefits of green, open spaces for all.”