The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan has officially opened the new 32-acre Springfield Park in the heart of Tooting, the largest new park to be created in the capital since the 2012 Olympic Games.

The Mayor, who used to be the MP for Tooting, led a special opening ceremony at the new park, which sits within Springfield Village, a new community built alongside Springfield University Hospital and developed in partnership with the NHS. He was joined by Wandsworth Council Leader Simon Hogg, Tooting MP Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, and residents who helped shape the project over several years.

Designed to support health, wellbeing and biodiversity, Springfield Park includes a pavilion café, play areas, a trim trail, amphitheatre, informal sports areas, ponds and hundreds of new trees.

Commenting on the park opening, Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan said: “I am delighted to join the local community and pupils from my old primary school to open this incredible new park, which is the largest to be created in London since the 2012 Olympics.

“Springfield Park is a great new facility and a key part of the transformation at Springfield Hospital that is providing much-needed affordable homes and green spaces for residents.

“Access to nature and secure, affordable housing are vital foundations for good physical and mental health, helping Londoners to live well and enabling our communities to thrive. It is a wonderful example of partners working together as we continue to build a fairer, greener and healthier London for everyone.”

Following speeches from leaders and members of the community, the Mayor was joined by pupils from Fircroft Primary School in unveiling a commemorative plaque and planting the park’s 700th tree.

Simon Hogg, Leader of Wandsworth Council, said: “It was a real honour to join the Mayor of London in opening Springfield Park today, a historic moment for Wandsworth and for the people of Tooting. This beautiful new green space, the largest to open in London since the 2012 Olympics, will make a lasting difference to the lives of local people. It offers space to breathe, play, exercise, and connect with nature, right in the heart of our community.

“Wandsworth is proud to be one of London’s greenest boroughs, and Springfield Park is a fantastic addition to our extensive network of parks, commons and open spaces. We’re investing in even more high-quality play areas and green spaces this year as part of our Year of Play, because we know how vital they are for children, families, and everyone’s wellbeing.”

Springfield Park is part of the brand-new community called Springfield Village that South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust has created around Springfield University Hospital.