Wandsworth seeks to invest £30 million in local leisure, enhancing parks and centers for residents’ health and wellbeing.
The council has already approved £16.9 million and intends to add £30 million more, bringing the total investment to £46.9 million. This investment targets better facilities for residents.
The plan aims to improve mental health and encourage residents to be more active. The council will be upgrading parks and various venues to achieve these goals. The plan will also ensure facilities are safe and attractive, encouraging greater participation and promoting healthy lifestyles.
The initial £16.9 million will fund improvements from 2024 to 2028. This includes accessible toilets coming to Balham and new toilets for Putney.
Air conditioning upgrades are planned for Latchmere, Putney, and Tooting. Pitches will undergo fixes and improvements, and roads and paths will also receive necessary repairs.
The £30 million portion of the plan includes a £4 million investment in playgrounds. Furthermore, two mini pitches are planned at a cost of £675,000.
The council is considering adding full-size pitches and exploring the possibility of new 3G pitches. Further upgrades to leisure centers are also under consideration, along with the installation of gym equipment in parks.
Safety improvements are a priority, including improved lighting and seating areas. They also want to improve bike storage, reduce carbon emissions, and create more walking and cycling routes.
The environment committee has approved the plan. Judi Gasser emphasized the importance of protecting local assets and ensuring residents can enjoy quality facilities. The council needs to enhance its offerings for residents to compete with private gyms.
The finance committee will vote on February 25 to decide on the additional £30 million investment.