Southwark Labour have today announced the allocation of £5 million for local projects, the first of several decisions which will add up to a £20 million investment in local neighbourhoods over the coming months.

The investment comes as a result of the continued success of Labour’s local planning policies, which have generated millions of pounds from developers via the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

The funds have been allocated following conversations with local communities, with residents at the heart of decisions on local investment. As a result, millions of pounds are to be invested in infrastructure projects such as revitalising Albion Channel in Rotherhithe, improving green spaces in Old Kent Road and substantial investment into the landmark Marlborough Sports Garden in Borough.

A project to upgrade Marlborough Sports Garden will receive £1 million of Neighbourhood CIL, including from Labour councillors in Chaucer and London Bridge and West Bermondsey. Bankside Open Spaces Trust, who have also fundraised for the project, will now start on site to improve facilities which will provide free or subsidised provision for over 22,000 children and young people.

Meanwhile Labour Councillors in Rotherhithe are investing £200,000 to revitalise Albion Channel, making the canal cleaner, greener and more pleasant for local residents.

In Old Kent Road ward, Labour Councillors are investing £1.4 million to revitalise green spaces, with over £700,000 for an accessible community centre at Leyton Square, £300,000 to upgrade the BMX track at Bird In Bush Park and £200,000 to upgrade Bramcote Park. This is in addition to £500,000 to improve local streets and £400,000 to upgrade Brimmington Park Sports Centre.

Announcing the investment, Councillor Helen Dennis, Southwark Labour spokesperson on New Homes and Sustainable Development, said:

“With £5 million of investments in this round alone for projects from amazing sports facilities to revitalised parks to safer streets, Southwark Labour is working hand in hand with our communities to make our borough cleaner, greener and safer.

It is fantastic to see Labour policies bearing fruit for our local communities.”

You can read the full set of local investments for this first range of funding by clicking this link. This report remains subject to decision and call in.