£1.4 million community project funding for Bournemouth and Poole
81 initiatives in the area are set to benefit from a cash boost.
More than £1.4million is being invested into community projects in Bournemouth and Poole.
BCP Council is awarding 81 initiatives cash boosts which will see new play equipment, improved green spaces, and upgrades to youth and community centres, as part of a record-breaking round of funding.
Allocations for the initiatives have been made from the seventh round of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) neighbourhood funding.
CIL funding stems from a planning charge paid by developers with the neighbourhood portion set aside to be reinvested in community-led projects in specific wards to offset the impact of new developments. Christchurch town and parish council are directly given funds for allocations.
The grants range from a few hundred pounds up to more than £300,000 which will be used to deliver tangible benefits to residents where it matters most.
Sporting and greenspace projects to help improve community mental and physical wellbeing, these projects include the redevelopment of Ilford’s BMX Club, restoring tennis courts in Southbourne and installing new play equipment at Riverlands, Seafield Gardens, Mandale Road and Slades Farm.
Bournemouth Station roundabout will be enhanced with cleansing, new murals, and public artwork.
New ponds will be created at Manorside Academy and Pelham’s Park while 21 benches will be installed including at Turner’s Nursery, Haskell’s Rec, and Conifer Estates.
More than £300,000 will be invested into local transport improvements including a new pedestrian crossing in Bearwood, traffic calming Lilliput Infants, as well as road improvements on Western Road and Leicester Road.
Further successful projects include funding for Bourne Community Hub, Creekmoor Youth Centre, Moordown Community Centre and Coy Pond Gardens as well as seven new defibrillators, improvements to public toilets and funding towards the refurbishment of Whitecliff Pavillion and Turlin Moor Skatepark.
Heritage projects are also being supported, including the refurbishment of the tram shelter in Charminster and Cob Barn in Holdenhurst.
Cllr Millie Earl, leader of BCP Council, said: “This cash boost shows what can be done when the council works alongside communities, and passionate ward councillors, to deliver on the priorities of residents.
“When new homes are built, developers contribute funding for local infrastructure. This investment is now being returned directly to our communities, delivering the facilities residents have told us matter most to them.
“From upgrading play spaces, improving libraries, enhancing our greenspaces, and investing in youth and community centres – this is a funding boost that gets to the heart of what matters and builds on the success of our ongoing investments.”