Manchester City Council are making £12.5m available to support a range of capital investment opportunities in the city's parks and green spaces, to realise the vision for parks to be the heart, lungs and soul of the city.
The City Council want to hear from local groups and organisations with ideas to use this funding: to build upon, add to, or improve park assets.
The £12.5m will be split:
- Parks in Partnership will invest £960,000 directly into local parks via local groups and organisations, with each Manchester ward receiving £30,000 for capital projects that raise standards (one year funding)
- Parks Development Programme will support larger capital projects from £30,000 up to £2.5m (four year programme.) Working with external bodies and partners to secure match funding for major works will maximise the impact of this programme.
Who can apply
Applications can be submitted by local community and voluntary groups, Friends of groups, current parks operators, charities and companies (registered companies or charities that apply will need to provide at least two years financial accounts.)
The type of projects that will be supported
Applications can be made for projects that are based in, or will support the development of Manchester parks. There are three types of parks:
Local parks
Small spaces that provide a focal point for local neighbourhoods and can be defined as one or more of the following: a grass area, play area, sports facility, flower-bed. Examples include Anfield Road, Bignor Street, Chesterton Road, High Bank and Mersey Bank.
Community parks
Larger local parks that have a variety of facilities and features, and can host activities and small community events. Examples include Brookdale Park, Chorlton Park, Crowcroft Park, Didsbury Park, Fog Lane Park, Philips Park and Swinton Grove.
Destination parks
Parks that provide a range of facilities and visitor attractions, and have a variety of distinctive features and open space that can be used in different ways, such as the hosting of major events. Examples include Alexandra Park, Boggart Hole Clough, Chorlton Water Park, Fletcher Moss Gardens, Heaton Park, Platt Fields Park and Wythenshawe Park.
Applications for projects that will be delivered in Green spaces, River Valleys or Allotments will be considered, but they must clearly demonstrate how they will support the parks strategy and provide a reduction in expenditure.
For more information and to apply click here