GUNNERSBURY Park's new sports hub was officially opened in a celebration officiated by the mayors of Ealing and Hounslow.

One of the largest outdoor sporting facilities in London, delivered by Ealing and Hounslow councils, the sports hub has actually been welcoming people through its doors since April.

But the event, on Wednesday 22 September, saw The Mayor of Hounslow, Councillor Bishnu Gurung and Councillor Munir Ahmed, Mayor of Ealing officially open Gunnersbury Park's new sports hub.

The opening also marked National Fitness Day, which highlights the importance of physical activity and healthier lifestyles.

Councillor Peter Mason, Leader of Ealing Council and Councillor Samia Chaudhary, the Hounslow Leisure portfolio holder were also in attendance.

They thanked everyone involved for their hard work in the successful delivery of the sports hub and met guests from Sport England, Football Foundation, Lawn Tennis Association, London Marathon Charitable Trust and Middlesex Cricket.

Facilities at the centre include, two brand new floodlit 3G artificial grass pitches, together with nine football grass pitches, a rugby pitch and three cricket pitches, and eight tennis courts.

There is also a gym with more than 100 machines, exercise studios and changing facilities and a range of activities and lessons to be booked.

The new sporting facility is also part of the Football Hubs Programme, supported by the Premier League, the Football Association (FA) and the Government's Football Foundation.

Councillor Peter Mason, leader of Ealing Council, said: "This fantastic new sports hub is all part of our commitment to supporting the long-term health and wellbeing of our residents.

"This is one of London's largest outdoor sports facilities with some of the best sports provision in the capital.

"We remain committed to ensuring that Ealing is a place where residents of all ages have access to a wide range of excellent sports and fitness facilities.

"Now open, it is providing first-class facilities to local people wanting to keep active and improve their fitness.

"I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone involved in seeing this project to completion so we can all see and enjoy these amazing facilities."

"This is another step to the fulfilment of our long-term vision which sees Gunnersbury Park as a place where local people can enjoy sport, beautiful green spaces and a rich local history long into the future."

Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said:

 "We are delighted that this amazing new site is now open to the public after receiving Football Foundation investment.

"It has been a real joy to be here today and see local people enjoying the facilities."

Gunnersbury Park Sports Hub is located close to Acton Town tube station and has already seen large numbers of people using the centre.

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