Mole Valley District Council’s (MVDC’s) Cabinet has approved an investment of nearly £3.9m for a range of projects across the district’s open spaces, parks and playgrounds funded by the Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL).
A very significant proportion of the £3.9 million investment is targeted towards a programme to update the equipment in six playgrounds across Ashtead, Bookham, Dorking and Leatherhead with an emphasis on securing more inclusive play and sports facilities, including multi-use game areas, to cater for a broad range of interests and ages. The balance of the allocation will secure improvements to the physical environment and biodiversity of a number of our parks and open spaces in line with MVDC’s recently adopted biodiversity strategy and action plan.
At the same meeting, MVDC Cabinet approved a Procurement and Contract Strategy to enable MVDC to secure the right supplier to design and install playgrounds and Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs), working closely with MVDC and having engaged with local communities to ensure the facilities meet local needs.
Councillor Nick Wright, MVDC’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Community Assets said: “This proposed investment in our open spaces, parks and playgrounds is a fantastic opportunity to enhance the quality of life for residents, especially children and young people, across Mole Valley. I’m very grateful for the chance to use Strategic CIL funding to deliver a wide range of initiatives and projects which align closely with our key strategic principles for a fairer, greener Mole Valley that provides opportunities for all. We aim to deliver inclusive, sustainable and engaging spaces that support health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors.
“I know from residents, and indeed my own experience as a father and grandfather, the crucial role that well equipped playgrounds play in family life, and I’m also pleased that our proposed procurement strategy has been approved. We intend to start the search shortly for the right supplier to work with us to engage, design and deliver the projects for us. We will keep residents updated on progress throughout the process.”
