New-look playgrounds, enhanced CCTV and tree planting are among dozens of new community projects being funded with a further £5m allocated by Southwark Council.
The money comes from contributions that developers are charged by the council when they build in Southwark, and this second wave of investments builds on other recently announced projects. In total, this now means that more than £10m of Neighbourhood CIL has been allocated this year.
Projects include
- £600,000 towards the reopening and renovation of Alfred Salter Playground in Bermondsey, with the expansion of the park, landscaping resurfacing and addition of brand-new play equipment;
- £600,000 for security improvements and anti-social behaviour deterrents at St Saviour’s Estate, Bermondsey, including the installation of security doors across several blocks;
- £500,000 towards a new children’s play area at Newington Gardens in Elephant and Castle;
- around £100,000 towards CCTV coverage and additional lighting to address safety concerns in Peckham Square;
- several grants for greening and tree planting in locations across Southwark, including Great Suffolk Street and America Street in Borough and the roof of Bermondsey’s Kipling Estate;
- £100,000 to provide an electric minibus for AgeUK to transport residents with dementia;
- £50,000 for the refurbishment of Downside Fisher youth club in Bermondsey;
- £65,000 towards repairs and improvements for the Brunel Museum.
Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes & Sustainable Development, said: “It’s fantastic to agree funding for so many transformative projects that will improve our community spaces around Southwark.
“This will fund security improvements, helping residents to feel safer in their homes and on our high streets, new community gardens and green spaces to boost our local environments, and go towards better facilities for both younger and elder residents in the form of youth provision and accessibility aids.
“These projects are funded by charges that developers pay when they build in Southwark and these projects will help to build a better borough for all.”
The money is raised through Community Investment Levy (CIL) charged by the council on new developments.
It is the second batch of funding this year, following the approval of an initial £5m in May. CIL funds are paid by developers to mitigate the impacts of new developments and fund a wide range of improvements required across the borough. Further funding allocations will be made in the next month.
Project decisions have been made the Lead Cabinet Member, following proposals from local ward councillors which have been assessed against Southwark 2030 goals and principles and other agreed criteria for local CIL allocations. Local ward forums have taken place to allow residents to bring forward ideas and other consultative processes such as Streets for People have also been drawn upon.