Funding Boost for Community Infrastructure Projects

Funding boost for community infrastructure projects

Improvements to the natural environment, play areas, sports and community facilities are among the projects set to benefit from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Local Infrastructure Fund.

A total of up to £844,200 will go towards 11 projects that will upgrade community infrastructure and provide local residents with a wider range of community activities.

Up to £49,500 has been allocated towards creating a new park area in Chineham, which includes enhancing an ancient moat and improving the seating at the site, and funding of up to £9,200 will go towards improving access to a new all-weather path in Woolton Hill.

In Oakley, improvement work will take place at the village pond with up to £27,200 of support from the council, and two play parks, Chineham Park and Guernsey Close in Popley, will be replaced at a cost of up to £126,500.

As well as improving a number of outdoor spaces, the funding boost will also benefit local community facilities.

To improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of the Fieldgate Centre in Kingsclere, up to £84,800 has been allocated to upgrade the electrical equipment and the drainage of the on-site sports pitches and Buckskin and Worting Community Association will be able to refurbish toilet facilities at the Ridgeway Centre in Buckskin with a grant of up to £18,000.

An extension to Pamber Heath War Memorial Hall is planned, with up to £200,000 of funding from the borough council, which will provide more space and upgrade existing facilities that will meet the rising demand for use of the hall.

To help increase participation in sport locally, Oakley Cricket Club has been awarded up to £149,000 for an extension to its clubhouse to include a separate changing and shower area, a larger function space, dedicated car parking and other improvements to the building, such as electric heating and double glazed windows.

Longmeadow Sports Centre in Whitchurch will also receive up to £180,000 of improvements with a new roof, solar panels, fencing around the site and disabled toilets.

Since January 2014, the Local Infrastructure Fund has allocated a total of £7.1 million to support 129 community projects across the borough.

Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Partnerships Cllr Simon Bound said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a light on community spirit across the borough and this investment in our communities will help to ensure they continue to thrive.

“This wide range of much-needed improvements schemes will have a lasting impact and help encourage more people to take part in activities in the heart of their community.”