Published: Monday, 11th December 2017

Community groups across the borough are invited to apply for funding for local projects.

The newly created Greenwich Neighbourhood Growth Fund uses money from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). CIL is a scheme introduced by Government allowing councils to raise money from developments which is then used to deliver infrastructure improvements.

Neighbourhood CIL is a portion of the money collected by the Royal Borough that goes to locally sourced projects.

Royal Greenwich has been divided into four neighbourhood areas with each area given an allocation of money out of the Greenwich Neighbourhood Growth Fund.

Suggested ideas

The development of the fund was signalled at the Better Together meetings in each of the four neighbourhood areas in June.

Some of the ideas suggested by residents at the meetings were:

  • a youth club for people with special needs
  • conversion of old toilet block in Queenscroft
  • dredging of The Tarn pond
  • public water fountains in town centre and near the Cutty Sark
  • travelling entertainment to communities to help build opportunities for people to come together
  • more community art or murals, involving the local community.

'Excited to see what proposals come in'

Councillor Danny Thorpe, Deputy Leader, and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Sustainability, said: "The Greenwich Neighbourhood Growth Fund is a real chance for residents to have a direct input into improving their neighbourhood.

"We're really excited to see what proposals come in and how this money can be best put to use addressing community concerns at the grassroots level."

Time to plan your submissions

The Greenwich Neighbourhood Growth Fund application form will be available on the Royal Greenwich website later in December. Community groups will then have a six week window to submit their proposals.

Each application must address a demand that development has placed on the local area and be for the benefit of the local community.

Proposals must be fully costed and have the endorsement of all councillors in the ward in which the proposal will be delivered. Proposals should be for more than £5,000.

Full conditions, guidance on how to apply and the application form will be available on the Royal Greenwich website.

Community groups requiring further guidance or who have any questions can email cil@royalgreenwich.gov.uk

A chance to vote for your favourites

The Council will shortlist a list of preferred projects in February.

This will be followed by a two week public consultation where residents can vote for their favourite out of the other proposals that meet the application criteria.

The winning proposals will be revealed March 2018.

How much is available in your area

The money available will change annually, depending on what new developments have been built and is allocated in relation to the level of the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) raised in each financial year.

The four neighbourhood areas:

  • Area one: Coldharbour & New Eltham, Eltham North, Eltham South, Eltham West, Middle Park & Sutcliffe, Shooters Hill
    Current total amount available £78,973
  • Area Two: Blackheath Westcombe, Peninsula, Greenwich West
    Current total amount available £137,101
  • Area three: Charlton, Kidbrooke with Hornfair, Woolwich Common, Woolwich Riverside
    Current total amount available £30,000
  • Area four: Abbey Wood, Glyndon Plumstead, Thamesmead Moorings
    Current total amount available £30,000