South London Parks and Leisure Centres Set for £30M Improvement Plan

Wandsworth wants to invest in local leisure. They plan to spend £30 million over five years. This will improve parks, playgrounds, and leisure centers. The total investment could reach £46.9 million.

The council made a leisure plan and it aims to improve residents’ health. Facilities will be more accessible and affordable. They want to upgrade and protect current spaces including parks, pitches, and leisure venues.

The council wants more people active and needs to ensure assets are financially sound. The plan boosts participation and ensures healthy lives. They will maintain current, safe facilities and upgrades should attract more visitors too.

The finance committee votes on the extra cash February 25 and previously committed £16.9 million for improvements. This work spans from 2024 to 2028. This includes new toilets in Balham and Putney and upgrading air systems.

The additional £30 million enables the new plan. Playgrounds get £4 million in upgrades and two mini sports pitches will cost £675,000. These “PlayZones” partner with the Football Foundation, with new 3G pitches also under consideration.

The plan improves leisure center accessibility, and they will install outdoor gym equipment in parks. The council wants better lighting and safer facilities, with more bike storage also planned across the borough.

The authority aims to reduce carbon emissions. More walking paths and cycling routes are planned. The environment committee approved the plan February 13 and wants to protect and enhance local assets.

A councillor stated the need to compete, explaining that council facilities must rival private gyms. The finance committee faces a key funding decision, as they will consider the extra £30 million on Feb 25.