London's public spaces get £12m funding from mayor

A new bridge may be constructed to improve connections across River Roding

Five projects to improve public spaces across the capital are receiving a share of £12m from London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

The aim is to improve climate resilience, spruce up high streets and create new green spaces and walking and cycling routes.

In total, up to 7 acres of new or improved public space will be created or improved and 220 trees will be planted over the next three years.

Funding from the Civic Partnership Programme will go to Neasden, Ilford, Hoxton, Lewisham and Croydon.

Croydon high street is set for rejuvenation

The funding will go to the following projects:

• In Neasden £3.1m will be used to make the town centre safer and more accessible to pedestrians and a community training kitchen will also be set up

• Ilford will get £3m to improve links between the town centre and Roding Valley, with a new footbridge over the River Roding and an accompanying small park, plus rewilding Ilford Golf Course

• Lewisham will get £2.5m to improve its green spaces, including public parks and revamp its existing Riverdale Sculpture Park

• Hoxton has received £3m for its Connecting Hoxton scheme which aims to improve transport connections and reduce social isolation among residents

• Croydon will receive more than £800,000 to improve its high street and bring vacant shops back into use.

Deputy mayor for planning, regeneration and the fire service Jules Pipe said: "These projects aim to give Londoners of all backgrounds a greater role in shaping how their city grows and deliver better public spaces to live, work and play.

"I'm so impressed by the quality of proposals we received – this is testament to the collaborative efforts of London boroughs who have shaped the strategies, as well as the creativity and ingenuity in London’s diverse communities."