Dozens of community projects will benefit from millions in funding raised from a levy on private developments in the borough.
Six million will be divided among 66 successful applicants over the next two years. 29 of them have already been approved, with more expected to be shortlisted soon.
The funding amounts to a quarter of the £23 million raised by the Community Infrastructure Levy, placed on new developments including housing, shops and hotels, and then redistributed by Southwark Council.
More than 1,000 suggestions on where to put funding back into the community were put forward by residents after an online consultation in March last year.
Cllr Alice Macdonald, cabinet member for communities and equalities, said: “We are committed to ensuring that development in the borough works for all.
“In Southwark, we’ve made sure money raised from the levy is allocated to community infrastructure projects local to the development schemes from which they were generated.
“I’d like to thank everyone who came forward with an idea or project during the consultation. Projects were awarded funding after careful consideration of how they benefit the ward as a whole and whether they align with local priorities.
“Investment in community facilities and open spaces was a key theme across wards and we’ve approved funding for a number of projects supporting this aim.
“This includes the delivery of a new state-of-the-art youth and community space at Leyton Square, in line with the commitments set out in the social regeneration charter for Old Kent Road.”
Other successful ideas including a new building for Walworth Garden, so more people can attend workshops and training; improved landscaping in Alexis Street playground and park near the Blue; and converting unused space in Walworth’s All Saints Hall into affordable community space run by Walworth Living Room – one of Pembroke House’s projects.
Pembroke House executive director, Mike Wilson, said: “It’s fantastic to receive news of this local support for the Walworth Living Room.
“Our thanks to Southwark Council, our local councillors and all the residents who backed the project.
“We’ve all seen how important flexible community spaces like this have been through the pandemic, playing host to emergency food and support services.
“As we emerge from lockdown, it’s clear that they will be more important than ever, as we need safe and welcoming spaces to meet as residents and partners and start building stronger neighbourhoods together.”
Visit www.southwark.gov.uk/cil for more information.