Plans have been submitted to bring the former bowls pavilion at Byron Recreation Ground in Wealdstone back into use as a new community and recreational hub.
The application, submitted by Byron Recreation CIC, would see the existing pavilion on Peel Road extended, refurbished and completely reorganised inside. The building was previously used as a sports pavilion but is now described in the application as “vacant and unused”.
New studios, community rooms and café
Under the plans, the existing single-storey building would be retained rather than demolished.
The proposed layout includes a main room, secondary room, two studios, an office, kitchen and bar area, serving facilities, storage and new toilet facilities, including an accessible toilet.
The building currently has around 180 square metres of internal floorspace, with approximately another 150 square metres proposed as part of the expansion.
Plans show the extensions running alongside the existing pavilion, with new rendered walls designed to match the current building.
Wide range of community uses proposed
Planning documents say the building is intended to operate as a “multi-purpose community and recreational hub”.
Proposed activities include youth provision, sports and recreation, training, education, skills workshops, SEN support, holiday clubs, therapy and intervention services, health and wellbeing activities, arts and culture, meetings and family support.
A café or social club could also operate from the building, with alcohol sales possible as an ancillary part of its community use, although this would require separate licensing approval.
Council previously backed principle of community use
The proposal follows pre-application discussions with Harrow Council earlier this year.
According to the Design and Access Statement, council officers said it was “likely that an elongated, single storey building as a replacement for the pavilion would be accepted, in principle, by officers.”
The scheme has since been scaled back, with the existing pavilion now being retained and no first-floor development proposed.
The application form says building works could begin in December 2026 and be completed by March 2027, subject to planning permission being granted. The estimated cost of the works is listed within the “up to £2m” category.
Longer-term ideas for the wider site also include football, basketball, padel and multi-use games facilities, although these do not form part of the current pavilion application.
A decision is expected from Harrow Council by 12th November 2026.
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