Match funding for reviving green spaces

Community groups working to develop public green spaces in their local area are invited to apply for match funding from the Government ‘Pocket Parks’ scheme.

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government is making available £1.35 million to create new ‘pocket parks’ (pieces of land of up to 0.4 hectares) or renovate existing parks that have fallen into disrepair, where this could have a significant positive impact on the local community and address a specific local need.

The funding, worth up to £15,000 for new pocket parks and £25,000 for renovation of existing parks, will help put communities and their partners in control of the management of their local green spaces and help to pay for improvements to the condition of these spaces and keep them in good condition. The overall aim is to increase access to good quality green space in a sustainable and community-led manner.

Applications must be supported by a Local Authority and the funds will be paid to that Local Authority to administer. Applicants must secure match-funding of at least 30% of the grant amount.

Both innovative and traditional proposals are welcomed, as well as projects aiming to improve local town centres or high streets with a community green space. Successful applicants will be required to complete an evaluation form at the end of the project and will be encouraged to share any learning, innovation and best practice.

The Pocket Parks Scheme was launched by the Government in 2015 to transform unloved, neglected or derelict small parks into attractive facilities for people in deprived areas. To date it has created close to 300 new or renovated parks.

Deadline for applications is 5pm on 31st December 2019

For more information, click here