Preston Parks benefit from Prosperity Funding

As part of Preston's UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Investment Plan, the City Council approved projects to enhance local green spaces, community gardens, watercourses and embankments with £200,000 of improvements, specifically aimed at Preston's parks and open spaces.

The improvement projects included:

• A collection of drainage projects, which will enable better community access to playgrounds suffering from waterlogging at Goosnargh Green, Levensgarth Avenue and South Drive.
• A partnership project with Lancashire Constabulary to give young people an avenue for physical activity, by creating a 5-a-side kick about area at Grange Park.
• BMX track improvement project at London Road BMX track, match-funded with a leisure improvement grant and a contribution from Preston Pirates BMX Club.

Councillor Freddie Bailey, Cabinet member for environment and community safety, said:

We are delighted to see this funding being used in our parks and green spaces for the benefit of the people of Preston, along with visitors to the area.

It's great to make a significant investment in our parks, making them more accessible, educational, and enjoyable high-quality spaces for everyone.

More information

• The UK Shared Prosperity Fund from the UK government provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. Preston City Council's allocation was £5.2m.
• Preston City Council actively applies and prioritises the principles of Community Wealth Building wherever applicable and appropriate. Community Wealth Building is an approach which aims to ensure the economic system builds wealth and prosperity for everyone.