London Mayor Sadiq Khan has allocated £12 million to fund five projects aimed at enhancing public spaces across the city. The initiative is part of a broader effort to

bolster climate resilience, revitalize high streets, and create new green spaces, along with improving walking and cycling routes.

The Civic Partnership Programme funding will be distributed to projects in Neasden, Ilford, Hoxton, Lewisham, and Croydon. Over the next three years, these projects will contribute to the creation or improvement of up to seven acres of public space and the planting of 220 trees.

Key projects receiving funding include:

Neasden: £3.1 million will be invested to make the town center safer and more pedestrian-friendly, including the establishment of a community training kitchen.

Ilford: £3 million will be used to enhance connections between the town center and Roding Valley, including the construction of a new footbridge over the River Roding, a small park, and rewilding efforts at Ilford Golf Course.

Lewisham: £2.5 million will go towards upgrading green spaces, including public parks and the revitalization of Riverdale Sculpture Park.

Hoxton: £3 million has been allocated for the "Connecting Hoxton" scheme, which aims to improve transport links and reduce social isolation among residents.

Croydon: More than £800,000 will be used to rejuvenate Croydon’s high street and bring vacant shops back into use.

Jules Pipe, Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration, and the Fire Service, expressed enthusiasm for the projects, stating, "These initiatives are designed to give Londoners from all backgrounds a greater role in shaping their city, providing better public spaces to live, work, and play. The high quality of proposals reflects the collaborative efforts of London boroughs and the creativity within London’s diverse communities." Photo by Chabad Lubavitch, Wikimedia commons.