Victoria Park Unveils New Grass Cricket Pitch to Inspire Inclusion and Community Spirit

By Emdad Rahman

A brand new grass cricket pitch has been unveiled at Victoria Park, marking the beginning of a new era for community cricket in Tower Hamlets. The development forms part of a wider effort to make the borough’s sporting spaces safer, more inclusive, and family friendly.

The launch celebration featured England international cricketer Maia Bouchier, who took part in a special six-over match to mark the occasion. Alongside the game, the event showcased an ambitious three-year vision to further develop the outfield and cricket square, ensuring that Victoria Park becomes a true hub for grassroots cricket.

Future plans include the creation of dedicated safe spaces for women and girls, innovative ground design and landscaping, and expanding opportunities for local cricket teams to compete at higher league levels.

The event was attended by Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, and Cllr Kamrul Hussain, Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, who were joined by representatives from Tower Hamlets Cricket Club (THCC) and Shahidul Alam, CEO of Capital Kids Cricket (CKC). Together, these partners are working closely with the council to ensure that community voices remain central to the ongoing development of the facility.

Mayor Lutfur Rahman said: “Our vision for Victoria Park is to create a safe, inclusive, and family-friendly home for cricket, particularly for women and girls. We want everyone in the community to feel confident that this is a space where they can play and thrive. This initiative strengthens Tower Hamlets’ position as a national leader in inclusive, grassroots sports development.”

The new grass pitch is part of a broader programme designed to:
• Set a national example for community cricket facilities through modern design and family-friendly relaxation zones.
• Provide secure, welcoming spaces for women, girls, and young players to play and train.
• Use thoughtful aesthetics and landscaping to reduce anti social behaviour and encourage positive community engagement.

As part of the borough’s commitment to gender equality in sport, female coaches will oversee all training sessions, while Sundays will remain dedicated to women’s and girls’ cricket. Looking ahead, the “Maia Bouchier London Cricket League” will launch next year at Victoria Park, further promoting opportunities for women and girls to play competitively.

Cllr Kamrul Hussain added: “This new pitch at Victoria Park reflects Tower Hamlets’ commitment to community wellbeing and sport for all. We’re proud to support a project that empowers women and girls, young people, and encourages inclusion across all levels of the game.”

Maia Bouchier, England international and CKC President, praised the achievement: “It’s wonderful to see years of local campaigning lead to something so positive. Victoria Park is now a place where everyone can enjoy cricket together in a safe and welcoming environment. Once the full development is complete, parents will have confidence encouraging their children to play here. This ground can serve as a model for others — showing how open park spaces can be safe, inclusive, and inspiring for everyone, especially women and girls.”

Former England cricketer and Middlesex Cricket’s Managing Director of Cricket in the Community, Angus Fraser, also voiced his support: “Middlesex Cricket has always been proud to work alongside Tower Hamlets Council, Capital Kids Cricket, and Tower Hamlets CC, which has maintained Clubmark status since 2012.

“Together, we’ve made cricket accessible to all. It’s fantastic that Tower Hamlets now has a true home ground – a place where local players can grow, compete, and aspire to play at higher levels.”

The completion of the new pitch marks a transformative milestone for sport in Tower Hamlets, one that champions equality, strengthens community bonds, and reaffirms cricket’s place at the heart of local life.