Westminster City Council has awarded £350,000 of funding to community groups and individuals to deliver local greening projects over the next year.
The Greening Westminster programme is an annual grant funding programme designed to improve and increase Westminster’s green infrastructure and open spaces.
The funding will be used by residents to create new communal green spaces in their own communities. Successful Greening Westminster projects from previous years include Lisson Green Estate Community Allotments, St John’s Church Yard in Kensal Green, and George’s Park near Baker Street.
Formerly known as “Open Spaces, Greener Places” the programme has undergone a refresh over the last year, recognising an opportunity to connect with and empower community groups across the borough to ensure fairer access to high-quality green spaces.
Around 25 per cent of Westminster is made up of parks and green spaces which provide an essential escape from the bustle of central London, allowing residents to relax and stay active.
BakerStreetQ were one of the successful bidders. Will Dyson, Head of Placemaking and Sustainability at Baker Street Quarter Partnership (BakerStreetQ), said:
“BakerStreetQ are thrilled to have received Greening Westminster Funding. Our focus will be to enhance the greening around and along the walking route between Marylebone and Baker Street Stations. Key to this will be creating a more pleasant environment, increasing biodiversity, improving air quality and adding much needed, and carefully designed, seating – importantly accompanied by a full management, maintenance and monitoring plan. The fund will enable us to help realise our ambitions for the benefit of everyone who uses this important route.”
Councillor Geoff Barraclough, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Planning, said:
“Greening Westminster is a fantastic project which empowers residents and community groups to improve their local area and create new green spaces for everyone to enjoy.
“Westminster City Council is committed to improving our environment and working directly with residents to create new, accessible green spaces is a key part of our plan to build a fairer and greener Westminster.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing the exciting new designs that our award winners develop over the next year.”
The Greening Westminster funding prioritises projects:
- that focus on community greening projects that serve and strengthen local community groups
- have a clear maintenance and management strategy to ensure the longevity of the project
- that can demonstrate additional support from volunteer time and community buy-in.
To be eligible to apply for Greening Westminster funding, applicants must demonstrate that:
- the project site must be publicly accessible
- the project site must be in Westminster
- the project must be completed by June 2024
- the project's environmental impact has been considered, and appropriate measures have been taken to reduce the carbon footprint and ensure climate resilience
The full list of successful Greening Westminster bids for 2023:
St Luke’s Church
St John’s Adventure Playhub
St John’s Church
Happy Lizzy + WECH
Paddington Development Trust
Grand Union Health Care Centre
HyPER
St Peters’ School
Westminster City Council Highways Team
Baker Street Quarter Partnership BID
Covent Garden Playground
Onion Garden
Grosvenor and Regency Residents Association
Westminster Tree Trust
Cllr Arrindell & Residents of Vincent Square ward
Published: 6 July 2023