20 projects that support the local community have been approved for Neighbourhood Grant funding, which is managed by Watford Borough Council, at cabinet on 25 November...
Organisations who have been successful with their application will be informed after 3 December, following the positive decision made by the council’s Cabinet. Just under £300,000 of the town’s Neighbourhood Grant funding pot will then be awarded to local groups, including charities and voluntary & community sector organisations to support initiatives that will make a real difference across the town.
The funding – which is managed by the council and available on an annual basis - is generated from a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) that developers pay on new developments in the borough. Its purpose is to support local projects that address the impact of new development and ensure local people benefit from sustainable growth in the borough.
Earlier this year, potential successful applicants needed to demonstrate that their project met the requirements of CIL regulations and the council’s agreed Neighbourhood Grant priorities. Residents were then able to show their support for projects by taking part in the public consultation stage of the process and voting for the project they wanted to support. Over 7,000 votes were received between 8 – 18 October.
Projects recommended for funding:
- Watford Community Housing: Improve social and play spaces in Holywell and Foxhill. (£12,500)
- The Reanella Trust: Reduce serious violence and antisocial behaviour among young people aged 13-18. (£5,000)
- Friends of Cherry Tree School PTA: Mini gym and climbing frame development. (£15,945)
- Wise about Food: A cookery-based project for people with dementia and their carers. (£4,950)
- Baby Cabaret: Personal development sessions for mothers. (£5,000)
- Watford Volunteer Police Cadets: A scheme for young people to develop communication, teamwork, groupwork, leadership as well as knowledge of the law. (£5,000)
- Kingswood Residents Association: The creation and installation of a Kingswood mural.(£8,000)
- Bike Park Chilterns: Development of the Whippendell Woods mountain bike trail area.(£23,000)
- Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care: The provision of nature themed activities. (£2,400)
- Watford Borough Council: Cassiobury Park Hub Community Space Acoustic Enhancement.(£23,800)
- West Herts Hospitals Charity: Youth Link is a free to access social prescribing service working with Watford FC CSE Trust. (£4,400)
- Watford Palace Theatre: Environmental Sustainability Investment Programme. (£50,000)
- Watford Women’s Centre: Garden Restoration Project. (£10,985)
- Watford Football Club CSE Trust: Youth Link is a free to access social prescribing service working with WH Hospitals Charity. (£4,400)
- Caudwell Youth: The provision of a mentoring project for at risk young people. (£5,000)
- Herts County Council: The provision of a new and improved public footpath in Woodside. (£35,199)
- New Hope: Purchase a portable scanning arch that can be deployed at The Haven. (£2,404)
- The Dan Tien Performing Arts Studios: To upgrade the internal building and studios at Harebreaks Community Hub. (£30,079)
- Fullerians RFC: The installation of solar panels on the club’s facilities. (£36,000)
- Watford Town Cricket Club: To progress the refurbishment of the cricket pavilion. (£15,529)
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “It's fantastic to see such a strong response to our public consultation, after last year’s success. It shows that people care about our community and want to be involved in shaping its future. These grants will help fund important projects that will benefit everyone."
Cllr Aga Dychton, Deputy Mayor and Portfolio Holder for Community, said: “Watford’s Neighbourhood Grant is a crucial initiative that empowers communities to actively participate in shaping the future of their neighbourhoods. We are witnessing the tangible benefits of these projects at the local level, and it’s essential that we continue to support them.”
The 2025-26 Neighbourhood Grant programme will open in June 2025, however you can email NCIL@watford.gov.uk if you have any questions. For further information on other community grants, please visit: www.watford.gov.uk/community and for more details on the the projects listed at: https://watford.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=121&MId=4880&Ver=4
