Up to £5.5 mil is set to be invested in infrastructure projects across Greater Norwich over the next five years.
The projects were discussed at the Greater Norwich Growth Board (GNGB) meeting on Thursday, 11 December.
Following recommendation by the Board, the projects will be put before Broadland District, South Norfolk and Norwich City Councils – for final approval in the new year.
Councillor Mike Stonard, chair of Greater Norwich Growth Board, said: “These fantastic seven projects will have a real impact on improving Greater Norwich’s environment and communities. If given the go-ahead by respective councils, there will be a real chance of improving the quality of life and well-being of people and families throughout Greater Norwich.”
The funds were all collected as developer contributions via the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which is invested to support local infrastructure and community facilities.
The magnificent seven projects that have been recommended for funding are:
Blofield Park Community Hub - £500,000 – A new community building on the site of the old primary school. The hub will offer improved recreational amenities to support the area’s significant growth and help foster a cohesive, vibrant community.
Framingham Earl Sports Centre - £1,100,000 – Expansion of community sport and leisure provision at Framingham Earl Sports Centre, to enable longer opening hours for the community.
The Nest Padel Courts - £150,000 This project will deliver three (2 covered, 1 not covered) inclusive and affordable multi-use padel courts, changing facilities, and a viewing area at the Nest, in Horsford.
Train Wood - £588,743 - a range of safety and biodiversity improvements to Train Wood - a vital, biodiverse, public green space situated in the heart of Norwich, which forms the start of the Marriotts Way.
Woodrow Pilling Park - £422,091- The investment will enhance access to the green infrastructure corridor, including links to Lion Wood and encourage greater use of the park by the local community. It will improve opportunities for play, exercise, and active travel, while enhancing the overall feel and functionality of the space.
Yare Valley Walk, UEA Boardwalk - £260,899 - a new, improved boardwalk between the River Yare and UEA Broad, connecting Cringleford and Eaton with the University of East Anglia. These enhancements will reopen a popular green corridor.
Salhouse Primary School Extension - £2,500,000 - This project will deliver an expansion to Salhouse VC Primary School, increasing capacity in each year group from 20 to 30 pupils.
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About the Greater Norwich Growth Board
The Greater Norwich Growth Board is a partnership between Norfolk County Council, Norwich City Council, South Norfolk District Council, Broadland District Council and the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership. They work together to accelerate the delivery of infrastructure within the wider Greater Norwich area by working across individual administrative boundaries.
Income is received from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and is pooled within the Infrastructure Investment Fund (IIF). Since 2014 approximately £44m of IIF funding and £54.5m of CIL supported borrowing has helped lever in at least an additional £305m of match funding to deliver infrastructure projects across the Greater Norwich area. The board and partnership are recognized nationally for their work and are seen as an exemplar model of working by the Planning Advisory Service (PAS).
Visit their website here.
