Westminster City Council has announced a fresh round of neighbourhood investment worth more than £2 million, targeting school facilities, community spaces, public Wi-Fi and heritage sites

across the borough.

The funding comes from the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL), a share of the Community Infrastructure Levy charged on new developments to ensure local areas benefit from growth. In Westminster, NCIL grants are awarded through a public application process that opens every quarter.

Major boost for schools and children’s wellbeing

A significant portion of the latest funding round will support improvements in local schools. **St Marylebone CE School** has secured £500,000 for its Healthy Children Project, which will deliver a new kitchen, dining area and a dedicated fitness suite.

The upgraded facilities will enable the school to provide hot, nutritious meals for pupils, a quarter of whom are eligible for Free School Meals. The new fitness suite is also expected to play a key role in promoting physical activity, supporting wellbeing and helping to address health inequalities among children.

Making historic spaces more accessible

Accessibility is another key focus of the funding. Nearly £490,000 has been approved for St Mary Le Strand Church, a Grade I listed landmark. The project will introduce two external ramps, improving access for wheelchair users, people with limited mobility and families with buggies, while carefully preserving the church’s historic character as part of a wider restoration programme.

Better connectivity in markets and play areas

Residents and traders will also benefit from upgraded public Wi-Fi at council-managed street markets and at the Alfred Road Play Area in Westbourne. The improvements are designed to help market traders process card payments more reliably and allow families to stay connected while using local play spaces.

Other projects receiving NCIL funding

Additional schemes approved in this funding round include:

- St Peter Eaton Square Primary School – playground improvements (£337,964)

- St Peter’s Church, Eaton Square – replacement of a lift and refurbishment of the Parish Hall community space (£314,464)

- Headfort Place Archway – public realm improvements (£336,000)

Public art brought to life after dark

NCIL funding is already delivering visible results across Westminster. One recent project saw the installation of a permanent power supply to illuminate the triceratops skull sculpture in Berkeley Square. The striking artwork, created by British artist Paul Vanstone, can now be enjoyed by passers-by well into the evening.

Together, the latest investments highlight how development funding is being reinvested to strengthen neighbourhoods, improve everyday facilities and ensure Westminster’s public spaces are inclusive, connected and vibrant.

Cllr Geoff Barraclough, Westminster City Council Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, said: 

“We’re proud to invest in projects that directly improve daily life for residents across Westminster. From modernising school facilities and supporting children’s health, to preserving our shared heritage and strengthening digital connectivity, these improvements reflect our commitment to building a fairer, more accessible and better-connected city. 

“The NCIL programme allows communities to shape the future of their neighbourhoods, and this latest round of funding will help ensure that our schools, community spaces and markets can continue to thrive.” Photo by westminster.gov.uk