Work is now underway to build a new £2.1m all-weather pitch in Battersea’s Falcon Park.

The 3G artificial pitch will replace four existing junior size grass pitches which are "regularly deemed unplayable" in the winter months because of waterlogging.

As part of the scheme a new changing pavilion is also being built to replace the obsolete and vacant existing one.

Wandsworth’s environment spokesman Cllr Steffi Sutters said: “The start of work on this long-awaited and much-needed leisure improvement scheme is good news for everyone in this part of Battersea who wants to play football and other sports and stay fit and healthy.

“It is a particularly welcome for young people. If we want children and teenagers in the area to be active and engage in healthy sporting activities then we need to improve local sports facilities.

“Falcon Park’s existing pitches are no longer fit for purpose which is why the we are providing an all-weather playing surface which will be available for a wide variety of sports and leisure uses.

“When we asked local people if they supported the plans a clear majority were in favour. One of the conclusions of the public consultation was the need to make sure that Falcon Park remained open and welcoming to other local groups, especially dog walkers which is why we have sited the new pitch in the south west corner of the park so that dog owners and other visitors can continue to enjoy a large uninterrupted green space.”

The £2.1m cost of the scheme has been secured from The Football Foundation, which has provided £480,000 and the London Marathon Charitable Trust which has approved a £150,000 grant. The remaining £1.4m is coming from council budgets.

The council is also planning to build a brand new state-of-the-art leisure centre in this part of Battersea as part of its regeneration proposals for the York Road and Winstanley estates.