Plans to redevelop a Woodford Green football ground that has stood derelict and unused for 15 years have been approved by Redbridge Council.

The former Woodford Town Football Ground in Snakes Lane East has been sitting unused since the club were evicted from the ground in 1993. A fire destroyed the former main building three years later.

In 2014, Redbridge Council made the decision to market the site, opening it up for bids from private companies to rejuvenate the facilities.

It has now been revealed that the proposed redevelopment is being lead by Foundation Sports, a company with 20 years’ experience providing sports training and equipment to schools and local children in Redbridge.

The plans that were granted planning permission by Redbridge Council include a new pavillion to provide a community space for nearby residents as well as a football pitch and spacious green areas to be used for sports, training, health and education.

It is hoped the development will increase community participation amongst young people of all ages across the borough.

During the day, a nursery will accommodate up to 50 pre-school children.

Two classrooms will provide childcare before and after school, with theory-based sports studies for 16-18 year-olds during the main school day.

And at weekends and in the school holidays, the team are designing a host of activities to allow the widest number of young people to enjoy the site. Activities will be fully inclusive, encompassing all levels of ability and skills.

Foundation Sports director, Tony Charles, is excited to be giving a new lease of life to this long-neglected piece of land.

He said: “I am honoured to have this opportunity to be able to increase the provision of sports participation for young people in the borough.”

To celebrate the site opening, Foundation Sports plans to offer free football coaching from September 2018.

If you’d like to sign up your child and be kept in the loop about developments, please register at mailchi.mp/foundation-sports/saturday-football.