On 12 November 2024, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Strategy and Resources Committee approved funding for infrastructure projects to take place over the next few years across the borough - Strategy and Resources Committee papers, 12 November 2024

The projects funded will create health and recreational benefits for the community, improve accessibility to key facilities and services for our residents and help biodiversity and the ecosystem.

A total of £331,966 has been allocated for five Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) projects following bids by community groups and organisations, and a total of £1,755,000 has also been allocated for three Strategic CIL funding projects.

The CIL raises funds from developers recognising that new development creates pressure on local infrastructure. It is spent on the provision, improvement, replacement, operation, or maintenance of local infrastructure.

Funding has been approved for the following projects:

• Rebuilding Glynn Hall, Ewell Village to help make it a more accessible, and effective, community hub.
• Hogsmill Local Nature Reserve Footpath Improvements to the Manor Drive entrance to Hogsmill railway tunnel to improve access and protect fragile habitats within the nature reserve.
• A new Bourne Hall Woodland Play Area to be developed in a wooded area with equipment complementing the surrounding area.
• Gateley Green Playground Improvements with new play equipment offering support to families with little or no access to private or outdoor spaces.
• Gibraltar Playground Improvements with new equipment, providing access to better quality and educational, play spaces.
• Waterloo Road Street Tree Planting with two trees planted, providing an environmental and aesthetical lift to the edge of the town centre.
• Ewell Village public realm enhancements that will improve the high street including safer and more pedestrian-friendly spaces and improving local environmental sustainability, providing a platform for better connections between people and supporting businesses.
• Priest Hill Football Development with full Football Association 3G football pitch offering affordable access to world class sporting facilities, both recreational for the community or more structured training and sport activities.
• New Club House at Old Schools Lane, Ewell providing a home for community sports and an indoor space for activities including arts clubs, health and fitness groups, counselling services and the Sunnybank Trust which supports 250 vulnerable men, women and young adults with learning difficulties.

Councillor Neil Dallen, Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee, said: "Our aim is to maximise the benefit for residents through the funds we have available. The Community Infrastructure Levy offers a significant opportunity to deliver projects that will not only benefit the community now but will also have a lasting impact on quality of life for future generations.

The borough has a wealth of outdoor parks and open spaces that support health and wellbeing, and most of the approved projects focus on improving these facilities."