Thousands of people
are set to benefit from new pocket parks or the revival of rundown green spaces
as Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has launched a £1.35 million fund.
Championing the
crucial role parks and green spaces play at the heart of our communities, Mr
Jenrick opened bidding for the pocket parks programme, which helps support
communities to transform unloved, neglected or derelict urban spaces into new
green spaces.
Community groups can
now bid for new parks or reimagined spaces that will be used for everything
from children’s play areas, to vegetable patches and community events,
benefiting the mental and physical health of people who use them.
Communities
Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said: "We want to improve the mental
and physical health of local people by providing a sustainable and affordable
sanctuary away from the hustle of urban life.
"That’s why we
have launched this fund to encourage projects led by community groups to
renovate parks and encourage community activities of all kinds.
"Establishing
more pocket parks is part of our wider ambition to ensure that communities have
a real sense of identity and place, and that everyone has the opportunity to
enjoy green spaces nearby. This government is determined to protect our nation’s
parks for future generations to enjoy.
"Funded
projects will be led by community groups, in partnership with local
authorities, to refurbish parks and encourage community activities. Those
wanting to develop new parks can bid for up to £15,000. While up to £25,000 is
available for plans to refurbish existing parks."
Parks Minister Lord
Younger said: "Parks and green spaces are a key asset in towns and cities
up and down the country and provide great value to our communities.
"The pocket
parks programme has seen great success in supporting community-led groups to
take over neglected and derelict spaces for the whole community to use.
"Our ambition
is to extend its transformative effect with a further round of the pocket parks
programme and ensure parks and green spaces remain at the heart of our
communities. It is now for community-led organisations to take the lead and
encourage everyone to apply."
This latest action
forms part of the government’s ambition to ensure that communities have a real
sense of identity and place, and that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy
green spaces nearby.
Cllr Gerald
Vernon-Jackson, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Culture, Tourism
and Sport Board, said: ”The LGA has long made the case for the importance
of green and outdoor spaces for people’s health and wellbeing. In the face of
the current childhood obesity epidemic, green spaces are a key resource which
are enjoyed by people of all ages across the country, and sit at the heart of
local communities.
”However, it is
important that councils can maintain their core leisure and green
spaces so our residents can keep active, host community events,
and enjoy top-quality, safe, children’s play areas, all of which
benefit the mental and physical health of people who use them.
“It is therefore
important that the Government provides long-term, sustainable funding so
they can continue to provide excellent services for their
residents, including green spaces.”
