Nottingham city parks get almost £600,000 in improvements from developer contributions

Nottingham City Council has authorised the allocation of £586,390.72 in Section 106 funding for various park projects across the city- see full list.

This move, part of the council’s ongoing commitment to enhancing green spaces and public amenities, has been met with widespread approval from community members and local councillors.

Background of the Decision

It revolves around the use of Section 106 funding, a mechanism where developers contribute money to local authorities for community and infrastructure projects as part of their planning obligations.

The Specifics of the Funding

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The approved amount is earmarked for a range of projects aimed at improving parks and open spaces across Nottingham. This includes the upgrade of existing facilities and enhancements to the quality of local areas. Notably, the projects were selected based on updated Park Investment Plans, reflecting current priorities and needs.

Rationale for the Decision

A key factor in the council’s decision was the time-sensitive nature of Section 106 funds. These funds must be utilised within a specified period, typically five years from receipt, or risk being reclaimed by the developer. By allocating these funds to the proposed projects, the council ensures their effective use for public benefit, while also adhering to the stipulated time constraints.

Impact on Local Wards

The funding will benefit several wards across Nottingham, including Berridge, Bestwood, Bilborough, Castle, Clifton West, Hyson Green and Arboretum, Lenton and Wollaton East, Mapperley, Meadows, Radford, and St Ann’s. Each ward’s allocation corresponds to specific park improvement projects that were determined through consultations with ward councillors and community feedback.

Legal and Financial Implications

The council’s legal team has confirmed that the proposed uses of the funds are consistent with the terms of the Section 106 Agreements.

Community and Environmental Benefits The council says that these projects promise to significantly enhance the quality and safety of parks and open spaces within Nottingham. This initiative is expected to provide numerous benefits, including improved recreational facilities, enhanced natural environments, and increased community engagement in local parks.

Plans include: 

1. Highfields Park
   • Improvement of infrastructure
   • Amount: £14,604.48
   • Ward: Wollaton East and Lenton Abbey
2. Arboretum Park
   • Improvements to the tropical house & aviaries
   • Amount: £15,878.80
   • Ward: Hyson Green and Arboretum
3. Headley Villas Park
   • Improvements to the park and play equipment
   • Amount: £14,592.07
   • Ward: Berridge
4. Ruddington Lane Park
   • Provision and/or enhancement of open space
   • Amount: £15,030.89
   • Ward: Mapperley
5. Southglade and/or Sandy Banks Nature Reserve
   • Improvements to facilities
   • Amount: £24,653.07
   • Ward: Clifton West
6. Ronald Street Park
   • Open space improvements
   • Amount: £7,810.68
   • Ward: Radford
7. Queens Walk Recreation Ground
   • Open space improvements
   • Amount: £4,986.08
   • Ward: Meadows
8. Open Space Improvements in Berridge Ward
   • Amount: £55,715.25
   • Ward: Berridge
9. Open Space Improvements in WELA Ward
   • Amount: £1,323.11
   • Ward: WELA
10. Open Space Improvements in Berridge Ward
    • Park and open space improvements
    • Amount: £21,799.65
    • Ward: Castle
11. Wallan Street/Bridlington Street
    • Park and open space improvements
    • Amount: £70,516.01
    • Ward: Hyson Green and Arboretum
12. Highfields Park
    • Infrastructure and play area improvements
    • Amount: £14,939.99
    • Ward: Wollaton East and Lenton Abbey
13. Robin Hood Chase
    • Open space improvements including infrastructure
    • Amount: £19,599.97
    • Ward: St Anns
14. Robin Hood Chase Corporation Oaks and Elm Avenue
    • Open space improvements including infrastructure
    • Amount: £101,361.06
    • Ward: St Anns and Mapperley
15. Radford Recreation Ground
    • Open space improvements
    • Amount: £8,729.28
    • Ward: Radford
16. Park and Open Space Improvements in Bilborough Ward
    • Amount: £20,023.20
    • Ward: Bilborough
17. Park and Open Space Improvements in Castle Ward
    • Amount: £7,852.69
    • Ward: Castle
18. Forest Recreation Ground
    • Improvements to toilet provision on site and wider site
    • Amount: £58,897.47
    • Ward: Hyson Green and Arboretum