Prosperity funding for Preston Parks improvements

As part of Preston's UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF) awarded to the City Council, £200,000 has been identified at improving Preston's parks and open spaces in 2024/25.

Following approval at Full Council on 27 June 2024, the plan for improvements can now be galvanised, alongside some match funding with the sport and leisure budgets and outside bodies.

Projects outlined for the funding are:

• BMX improvements at Preston Pirates, Fishwick Recreation Ground, London Road
• Improvements to Preston allotment sites
• Multi-use games area (MUGA) upgrades at the following locations:
  • Fairfax Road
  • Smiths Recreation Ground, Selbourne Street
  • Haslam Park
  • Moor Park (wheeled sports area)
  • Ribbleton Park skatepark
• Drainage upgrades at the following locations:
  • Goosnargh Green
  • Garstang Road / South Drive
  • Levensgarth Avenue / Singleton Close
  • Frenchwood Recreation
• Refurbishment to a number of children's play areas
• Upgrade to basketball courts at Ashton Park and Moor Park
• Creation of football pitch at Grange Park, including drainage works
• King George V Park, Broughton changing facility improvements

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

"I'm delighted that an element of the UK Shared Prosperity Funding will be used to make these much-needed improvements at a number of sites across Preston.

"All these projects will further improve the quality of the Council's parks and open space sites for residents and visitors alike. The projects will have a positive impact on people's health and wellbeing and will contribute to increased biodiversity within the city."

More information

• Image caption: Multi-use games area (MUGA) at Haslam Park
• 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.

About UKSPF

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund 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 was awarded £5.2m in 2022 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.