Middlesex Street Estate is set for a £400k upgrade including a gym, play area, sports facilities, and garden space.
The City of London Corporation agreed last week to the funding. They are building a community gym and creating a garden room. Funds will also fix a games area and improve play spaces. Green spots and gardens benefit as well. A police base is already planned there, having been approved last year.
The City of London says this helps people and makes social connections easier. The money comes from developer fees, specifically the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which the Corporation collects from developers.
Part of CIL funds resident services through the Neighbourhood Fund. Groups apply to the Corporation, who then decide which projects to fund after assessing each submission carefully.
A report supported funding the estate, stating resident wellbeing would improve and new facilities would create a lasting impact. The Residents Association had originally pushed the idea, asking residents what they wanted.
The committee quickly approved the funding. They also funded other groups, including Mental Fight Club and Family Action. The estate’s buildings were originally erected between 1965 and 1970.
The new police base isn’t a front desk. Officers meet there before and after work. A spokesperson explained that the base’s purpose is to maintain a policing presence in east London, and to offer safety training for people there.
The committee voted to add more money to improve the estate. They are adding a community room, upgrading the green spaces, and building a new gym for residents.
The Corporation also funded a leisure center, giving £10.35 million to Golden Lane Leisure Centre. They will replace the roof, resurface tennis courts, and redecorate inside.