Exciting community projects across Surrey Heath were awarded funding totalling more than £255,000 at the latest council Executive meeting.
Improved facilities at a community centre, bowls club, scout and guiding group, plus ‘friendship benches’ and a playground upgrade are among the benefits provided by the successful projects.
The approved funding bids were received as part of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Fund Call for Projects which was open during September and October.
The funding for these projects comes from the CIL contributions received from developers for development taking place in the borough, not from day-to-day council budgets.
The successful projects are:
- £100,000 contribution to Frimley High Street improvement works - the project aims to enhance Frimley town centre’s public realm, creating a more attractive, accessible and sustainable environment. To date, stakeholder consultation has been completed along with an outline design, scope and cost estimating work for the project which is jointly funded by Surrey County Council and this CIL funding.
- £45,000 contribution to improved play facilities at Avenue Sucy, Camberley, matched by Accent Housing, in one of the most challenged areas of the borough. The project includes replacing the current equipment with modern, safer alternatives and installing new fencing. Additional enhancements such as flower beds, benches, litter bins, and footpaths are also proposed for the surrounding communal gardens to enhance residents’ enjoyment and wellbeing in the outdoor space.
- Up to £30,000 contribution towards the replacement of irrigation, pump and tank for the green at Old Dean Bowling Club, Camberley. The project supports the community by maintaining an accessible, high-quality outdoor leisure space that promotes health, wellbeing, and social inclusion, particularly benefiting older adults and those seeking gentle physical activity.
- Up to £30,000 contribution towards providing Friendship Benches in each ward. The benches would promote a sense of community, friendship and inclusivity for residents across the borough, taking time to chat and relax across our greenspaces.
- £19,520 contribution to the 1st Frimley Green and Mytchett Scout Group equipment storage. The provision of purpose-made storage in a single location adjacent to our premier park, Frimley Lodge, will allow the Scout Group to maintain and hold more equipment. This will in turn help provide more extracurricular activities and skills for the eight scouting groups and six girl guiding groups based there.
- £18,626 in principle contribution for a new front door entrance to the Mytchett Community Centre. The installation of automated accessible front doors will make the Mytchett Community Centre more inclusive, removing physical barriers and enabling easier access for people of all ages and abilities. This award is conditional on updated lease arrangements for the centre being finalised..
- £15,499 contribution to The Hope Hub kitchen refit. The kitchen refit will double cooking capacity and create a safe, supportive environment for volunteers and service users. It will enable The Hope Hub to continue delivering thousands of nutritious hot meals each year to vulnerable residents, improving health, wellbeing, and community resilience.
Decisions on more than £100,000 of funding for additional projects were deferred while further information is gathered. This included a £100,000 contribution to solar panels being installed on the roof of The Square Shopping Centre, and a contribution towards the purchase of the Camberley Army Cadet Corps building.
Surrey Heath Portfolio Holder for Built Environment and Regulation Cllr Alan Ashbery said:
“These community projects will provide a real boost to people across the borough. Our decision-making is being led by residents and local community groups who have submitted funding bids for projects which they know will make a massive difference to local people.
“I look forward to seeing these projects completed, and their positive effects for a wide range of residents. They support a number of the council’s priorities including promoting healthier and more inclusive communities, protecting our environment and supporting a strong economy."
This CIL Call for Projects was open to projects in unparished wards - for projects in a parished area, residents and community groups should contact their local Parish Council directly with funding requests for potential projects.