Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has awarded £24 million of funding to projects from across the capital that will enable local people to take an active role in the regeneration of their communities.
More than 200 bids for funding were made to the Mayor’s Good Growth Fund, delivered through the London Economic Action Partnership (LEAP), and 27 are now being taken forward with several organisations receiving funding in the next few months.
All of the successful projects will deliver social and economic improvements including investment in cultural venues, community assets, workspaces and green infrastructure.
Successful funding bids include:
- the delivery of a dedicated HQ for the Southbank Centre‘s new education programme alongside an expanded and improved skate space and inclusive and free-to-use community facilities
- the creation of a new creative digital industry workspace and community enterprise and skills hub, Waterloo Works, in Waterloo
- the fit-out costs of a new mixed-use cultural space in Peckham for drama school and provider of arts, education, skills-building and wellbeing activities, Mountview
- the creation of a new home for music charity, Urban Development, and East London Dance within the Sugar House Island development in Newham with affordable workspace, recording studios, dance facilities and teaching space
- support for community volunteers and skilled tradesmen to carry out improvement works with 35 grassroots community arts, cultural and music spaces within areas of deprivation via Volunteer It Yourself (VIY)
The Mayor launched the Good Growth Fund to help deliver the objective of ‘good growth’ as outlined in A City for All Londoners, which set out plans to create a city where no community is left behind and everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their potential.
Sadiq Khan said:
‘I am using this funding to challenge preconceptions about how regeneration takes place. I want to give all Londoners – regardless of background – the opportunity to be actively involved in their city and have more places to live, learn, work and play. The projects I announced funding for will help us to tackle inequality, strengthen civil society and ensure the benefits of regeneration are felt by all.’
LEAP Board Member, Natalie Campbell, said:
‘The investments include exciting, innovative and collaborative proposals which will go towards improving the landscape and opportunities for London’s unique communities to thrive.’
Header photo: Sadiq Khan © Mayor of London
