Nestled behind back gardens in South London, the club is an oasis for sport, recreation, and community activities. Their original 1911 clubhouse is a lovely Edwardian pavilion that had suffered from poor alterations in the 1970s and felt institutional on the inside. Following an invited design competition, the committee asked Daykin Marshall Studio to bring the centre of the club back to life and make it accessible for all.

Starting outside, we’ve added a large new viewing terrace as a space to socialise and watch play on the surrounding courts. An integrated entrance ramp makes the clubhouse fully wheelchair accessible, with planting and festoon lights on poles adding to the pleasant atmosphere. On the inside, a series of smaller spaces were knocked together, and the ceilings raised, to create an open and inviting social space. Players shelter here during inclement weather, enjoy club nights and community events, and it’s used extensively by parents working whilst children’s’ after-school coaching takes place. New opening doorways have been carefully inserted into the old façade so there is a flow between the clubhouse and its new terrace.

The back-of-house areas have been considered with the same care and attention to detail. A catering standard kitchen is centrally placed with a servery opening directly into the social space. Rickety changing rooms and communal showers have been replaced with gender neutral toilets and changing cubicles for individuals, small groups and all abilities. These are accessed off a wide corridor from the social space with good sightlines and openness to improve safeguarding. Fire protection, alarm systems and escape routes have all been upgraded to meet the latest standards. Plywood wall panelling was used to brighten up the interior and make the high-traffic areas nice and robust. It is finished in a green stain, inspired by the signature green of nearby Wimbledon All England Club.