A unique basketball court has been created for the local community in Tower Hamlets, London’s worst-hit borough in terms of child poverty.

The London Lions Basketball Club partnered with artist Alvaro Barrington, Serpentine, concept studio CONSUL, Tower Hamlets Council and Weavers Adventure Playground in Bethnal Green to provide a free space for children to play. Local charity Weavers Adventure Playground was chosen as the location and partner to help maximise the positive impact of the court, attracting between 70-150 children that come to enjoy their facilities every day. The project marks the start of an ongoing initiative from the London club to renovate other community courts across the city. The basketball court is curated and facilitated by Serpentine who worked with Alvaro Barrington and the partners to deliver the vibrant and artistic communal space which took three months to bring to life. The Lions will offer a number of programmed sessions which will involve coaching with players and staff, creative tournaments and open play. After this, the court will remain as a legacy feature of the local community, gifted to London’s children as a dedicated space to play. “This marks the start of an ongoing commitment to give back to the local community. It’s vital for children to have a safe space to play and engage in physical activity, and we hope that this new court provides just that,” said Lenz Balan, Vice President of 777 Partners who own the London Lions.