Press release

Nearly 200 pocket parks will help transform the nation

Government announces winners of £3.75 million fund to create new pocket parks and refurbish existing parks.

From:
Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government and The Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP
Published
26 March 2019
park
  • Government announces winners of £3.75 million fund to create new pocket parks and refurbish existing parks for people to enjoy right in the middle of our towns and cities

Over 40 unloved, neglected or derelict urban spaces across the country will be transformed into new green spaces for the whole community to use, Parks and Green Spaces Minister Rishi Sunak MP confirmed today (26 March 2019).

In addition, through the £3.75 Pocket Parks Plus programme over 150 community-led groups from Alton in Hampshire to Widnes in Cheshire will receive funding to help bring parks that have fallen into disrepair back into use.

Parks and Green Spaces Minister Rishi Sunak MP said:

Parks and green spaces – no matter what size – are huge assets to our towns and cities and offer us all opportunities to relax, socialise, exercise and play.

From grabbing a quick break from the pressures of everyday life, to walking the dog, parks offer a place to get close to nature, engage with their communities and can help people overcome social isolation.

From the creation of valuable new green spots to the day-to-day upkeep of public places, the Pocket Parks Plus Programme gives local leaders and their communities the means to better maintain, protect and enhance their treasured green spaces.

Among the successful schemes to be funded are:

  • Warwick Place Play Area, a play area in Tewkesbury which has been awarded £23,500 to remove dilapidated equipment and install new structures, ensuring children with disabilities are able to play alongside their able-bodied peers.

  • A new nature trail and wildflower meadow in Baildon, Bradford, which will add beauty and green space to the local area.

  • Flood Meadows in Alton, Hampshire – led by Amery Hill Residents Association, the £25,000 awarded will allow them to make their stretch of the River Wey more accessible, including the creation of a new pathway to encourage community access, a platform made of recycled plastic where children can take part in educational pond dipping sessions, and protection of the local riverbank.

Today’s announcement also includes the allocations of the £9.7 million funding to local authorities to enhance the resources they need to maintain and boost recreational spaces.

The government is committed to creating more places for people to live, work and enjoy the benefits that parks and green spaces bring to local life. In addition to the Pocket Parks Plus Programme we’ve recently:

  • Awarded £9.7 million of new funding to local authorities giving them the resources they need to better maintain, protect and increase their recreational spaces.

  • Awarded over a million pounds to the National Trust and The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Future Parks Accelerator initiative to test new and innovative approaches to managing and funding parks.

But we need to do more to make sure future generations continue to enjoy their benefits.

The government will continue to work with the Parks Action Group, which represents leaders from across the parks sector and we’re providing support funding for community empowerment programmes, professional development for the parks workforce and alternative park management models to ensure our parks are fit for the 21st century.

We also extended the Green Flag Award licence in 2017 by a further 5 years meaning the people behind Britain’s best parks and green spaces will continue to be recognised and awarded for their tireless dedication.

Further information

The Pocket Parks Plus Programme called on local communities to bid for a share of up to £15,000 to build new ‘pocket parks’ and up to £25,000 to renovate existing parks. Bidding for funding closed January 2019.

See the Pocket Parks Plus successful organisations (PDF, 112 KB, 6 pages)

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Published 26 March 2019

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