City Council greenlights £549k boost for district-wide access and active travel initiatives
A funding boost of £549,393 that will help to improve access and active travel in the Winchester district has received the go-ahead from city councillors.
The funding is being provided through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), through which Winchester City Council raises money from qualifying district developments, before channelling it into infrastructure projects benefitting local communities.
Of the recently approved funding, £282,000 will be put towards a Hampshire County Council-led project to install a new footpath adjacent to Andover Road in Micheldever, providing residents with easier access to the railway station.
Another Hampshire County Council project to upgrade a pedestrian crossing in Friarsgate so it can accommodate cyclists will receive £36,393. The upgraded crossing forms part of one of the primary cycle routes in the Winchester Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, which aims to encourage cycling by providing better connections from the outskirts of town to the city centre.
A total of £153,000 was also approved to create a new perimeter footpath around River Park Recreation Ground. The new footpath will mean walkers, runners and those with mobility issues will be able to access and enjoy the site all year round.
Speaking about the funding approval, Winchester City Council Cabinet Member for Place and the Local Plan Cllr Jackie Porter said: “The Community Infrastructure Levy is a vital way of channelling funding into valuable community infrastructure and I’m pleased to announce this latest round of funding approvals.
“From encouraging cycling and active travel around Friarsgate and improving accessibility in Micheldever, to providing visitors with a better walking route around the much-loved River Park recreation ground, this new funding will help our residents to travel more healthily and easily and provide communities with greatly improved access to local amenities.”
Each year, Winchester City Council also invites bids from community organisations to help fund their own projects through the CIL levy – apply by 30 November.
Find out more about applying for CIL on Winchester City Council’s website.