In December 2025, new developments emerged regarding Mr Wu, the owner of Leisure Focus, who purchased Udney Park, Teddington from Quantum.
The fields have largely remained unused except for Teddington RFC’s floodlight rugby training. Leisure Focus, based in the British Virgin Islands, has been linked to controversial activities.
The Times reported on efforts to buy back the fields from Mr Wu, who is allegedly linked to human trafficking. Another report exposed Mr Wu’s ties to a Cambodian criminal conglomerate.
In November 2025, local MP Munira Wilson emphasised the importance of keeping the playing fields for community use. She advocated for amendments to the Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill to introduce a permanent Sporting ACV category and shift the Right to Bid to a Right to Buy. This legislation is crucial for Udney Park, as community clubs have been denied access for over a decade. The Udney Park Community Fields Foundation has made a substantial bid to purchase the fields but cannot meet the high price set by Leisure Focus.
In October 2025, the latest moratorium period under the ACV was about to expire, allowing Mr Wu to market the site to commercial bidders again. Previously, he attempted to sell the site, attracting an offer from a developer named Mr Williams, which later fell through.
The Udney Park Community Fields Foundation’s bid, valuing the site as playing fields, was rejected. Mr Wu requires around £3.5 million to sell, a price beyond the reach of community groups. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, which introduces a Community Right to Buy, had its second reading in Parliament. However, its impact on Udney Park remains uncertain.
The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames must consider the costs and risks of enforcing a sale via a CPO. Without compromise from Mr Wu, the impasse may continue. Efforts to extend field use beyond Teddington RFC’s training have made no progress. The tennis courts are in poor condition, with one court deemed dangerous. The 1922 memorial pavilion’s roof was repaired and asbestos removed, but it remains out of public use and requires significant investment to upgrade the facilities. The fields and boundaries are maintained in accordance with Teddington RFC’s lease agreement.
Overall, there has been little progress in resolving the situation.
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