Residents will recall that there has been much speculation about the potential development of the land at Imber Court in recent years. Not long ago it was suggested that Cobham Free School were planning to build a school on the site and prior to that it was alleged that a large number of houses were planned for the site. This speculation caused a great deal of concern in the community as was witnessed in comments made in the forum. In November 2010 the TD and WG RA carried out a great deal of research and issued a statement clarifying the situation. The Residents’ Association also expressed its strong support of the Club’s efforts to remain a sound, long-established and charitably-based sporting facility for the local community as well as for its police members. Since that time Cllr Tannia Shipley has been in regular contact with Nick Hartfree, the General Manager, who has been extremely helpful and kept her up-to-date with the progress (or not!) being made.
The latest contact was made last week. The news was good and Nick was asked to provide a statement that we could print for our residents to see:
“It is with great relief that I am able to announce that after a 7 year legal battle with the Metropolitan Police that I can report that the Chairman and Committee at Imber Court have secured a 35 year lease on the Club and grounds. The Club is now a Limited Company and the lease commenced on 26th August 2015 when all the papers were signed. The MPFC have also signed a lease for the same period. This now means that the greenbelt land is under this lease and prevents anyone trying to change its use. The grounds will now be available for sporting fixtures and other events over the years for all. The Club will be looking at increasing its income and there are already plans approved for a new nursery to open on the grounds. Another plan is to improve the tennis facilities with outside investment. For local residents the Club has now opened its doors to you all should you wish to take up membership and use out wonderful facilities, whether it be the bar, gym, the pool or just the grounds. For information regarding membership please contact the Club on 0208 398 1267”. Nick Hartfree General Manager.