POOR Collective completes colourful transformation of neglected south-London games area

Local residents contributed to the renovation of this multi-use games area in Mitcham, London, which was overseen by two members of social enterprise POOR Collective who grew up on the adjacent housing estate.

POOR Collective's Larry Botchway and Matt Harvey remember using the multi-use games area (MUGA) as children and were therefore aware of the importance of such a space to residents of the Sadler Close estate.

POOR Collective-designed multi-use games area — Local residents contributed to the renovation of this multi-use games area in Mitcham

A general lack of maintenance had caused the MUGA to fall into a state of disrepair, with slippery surfaces, missing bricks, broken fencing and damaged basketball rims making the space feel unsafe and uninviting.

POOR Collective's experience of collaborating with young people to develop small-scale architecture projects and urban interventions informed their proposal aimed at giving the facility a new lease of life.

Multi-use games area in London — The project was overseen by POOR Collective

"We knew how important the MUGA was to the local community, both from our own experiences growing up there and through conversations with young residents," said Botchway, who set up POOR Collective together with Matt Harvey, Shawn Adams and Ben Spry.

"This strong attachment convinced us that the space deserved proper investment and attention," he added.

"We wanted to not only repair it but elevate it, turning it into a safe, vibrant and welcoming environment that reflects the pride and creativity of the community that uses it."

Colourful games area — POOR Collective wanted to "not only repair it but elevate it"

POOR Collective reached out to the estate's owners, Clarion Housing Group, with a proposal to refurbish the site through a collaborative process that would involve the end users at every stage.

Door-to-door outreach identified key issues including poor lighting and broken security cameras that led parents to feel concerned about their children playing outside.

Colourful basketball court by POOR Collective — A non-slip sports-surface paint was used to decorate the basketball court's surface

A series of creative engagement activities included a walking tour of the neighbourhood and co-design workshops held at the local library and Shine Youth Group provided opportunities for residents to shape the design's evolution.

"The most influential workshop was held on site," Botchway told Dezeen.

"We handed out chalk and encouraged the young people to reimagine the space. They sketched out zones for various activities, from chilling to active play, which directly informed the final layout and design approach."

Basketball court in Mitcham, London — The pattern applied to the walls and floor references the shapes of the neighbouring tower blocks

The key interventions undertaken by the group included replacing the damaged basketball rims with more durable alternatives, reinstating the court's drainage system and repairing damaged brickwork and fencing.

A specialist non-slip sports-surface paint was used to decorate the court's surface with a graphic pattern developed collaboratively through the co-design workshops.

The pattern applied to the walls and floor references the shapes of the neighbouring tower blocks, as well as other local structures photographed during the walking workshop.

"Participants experimented with shapes, movement, and colour during the creative sessions, drawing inspiration from the energy and rhythm of play," Botchway explained.

"The final palette and layout reflect both the youthful spirit of the community and the aim to make the court stand out as a vibrant local landmark."

Basketball court by POOR Collective — It was chosen to reference "the youthful spirit of the community"

According to POOR Collective, the project has received a positive response from the local community, with many people expressing pride in the MUGA's transformation into a lively and welcoming environment.

"Young people especially appreciate that their ideas directly influenced the outcome," Botchway added. "They see their creativity reflected in the design and feel a renewed sense of ownership over the space."

POOR Collective-designed basketball court — POOR Collective is an acronym for power out of restriction

POOR Collective, which is an acronym for power out of restriction, is a social-impact design studio that collaborates with young people from underprivileged backgrounds to improve London's public spaces.

The group, which was awarded the Emerging Design Medal at the 2023 London Design Festival, has delivered projects including an exhibition showcasing work by young London designers and a colourful pavilion created to celebrate the city's night workers.

The photography is by Andy Stagg.

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