Families across Bath are being encouraged to help decide which local projects should receive the latest round of Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding – with several of the shortlisted schemes set to directly benefit children and young people.
The CIL fund supports local improvements across the city, from parks and play areas to community centres and nurseries. This latest round has attracted an unprecedented number of applications, totalling £270,000 – more than the funding currently available – meaning residents’ votes will play a key role in deciding which projects go ahead first.
Among the sixteen proposals are a number designed to enhance family facilities and green spaces. These include:
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Phase Two of Alice Park Play Park (pictured above), creating a new zone for children aged 9–14.
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A nature trail and planting at Odd Down Sports Ground, offering new opportunities for outdoor learning and play.
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A multi-use enclosed football cage at Royal Victoria Park, giving young people a safe and accessible space for sport and recreation.
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Improvements to the outdoor learning space at Twerton Community Nursery, helping the nursery to expand its early years provision.
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Restoration and reopening of The Old Infants School in Weston as a community centre.
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Refurbishment of Riverside Youth Hub and creation of a multi-use games area.
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Creation of a green, creative sensory garden for SEND students at Oldfield School.
Other proposals across the city cover a wide range of community priorities, including sustainability, heritage and accessibility. They are:
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Installing acoustic panels in the Percy Community Centre Sports Hall to improve sound quality.
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Completing the boundary wall restoration at the Bath Jewish Burial Ground.
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Pedestrian safety improvements at two key junctions in Lambridge and Larkhall.
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An LED lighting upgrade for The Mission Theatre.
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Refurbishment of Moorland Road Community Library.
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Installation of solar panels and batteries on three Petra Supportive Housing properties supporting young mothers and their babies.
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Restoration of the historic reservoir entrances in Sydney Gardens.
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Creation of an accessible studio theatre, Venue Four, as a community engagement hub.
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Year Two of the Water My Plot allotment infrastructure project.
The Neighbourhood CIL fund is generated from a levy on new building developments, with 15% of the total allocated to projects that directly benefit Bath communities. Since the scheme began, more than £2.57 million has been distributed to local initiatives.
The consultation is open until 5pm on Friday, November 7, and residents can vote for their preferred projects online. Anyone who needs the information in another format can email email hidden; JavaScript is required or call 01225 396975.
For families keen to see even more opportunities for play, learning and outdoor activity across the city, this is a chance to make their voices heard.
