Supporting community and economic projects in Surrey Heath

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Illustration of groups of people holding hands in circles.

Surrey Heath Borough Council has £1millon secured from the national UK Shared Prosperity Fund to be used to improve outcomes for our communities and businesses through targeted funded projects and initiatives.  At the Executive meeting held on 6 December the next phase of funded projects was agreed.  These projects will provide extensive improvements within our borough.  Projects have been identified through recent council consultation and engagement with the Surrey Heath Partnership.   

Councillor Kel Finan-Cooke, Portfolio Holder for Economic and Income Development, Surrey Heath Borough Council said;  

“The funding will be used on projects that benefit our residents and support the economic growth of our borough.  

We have a number of large projects planned that will take place over the coming year that will really make a difference.  These include replacing all our litter bins for new modern bins, which will also include recycling containers in Camberley town centre. There will also be enhancements and improvements to safety and accessibility across the town centre, creating a better experience for everyone who visits and shops in the town.     

Three of our playgrounds will also be extensively improved with including new play equipment.  

We will also continue to support our independent businesses with expert business support and events.  

We look forward to sharing more information about the upcoming projects that will be funded by the Council in 2024.” 

Surrey Heath projects for 2024/25:  

  • Borough wide litter-bin replacement    

  • Park refurbishment programme - Burrell Road playground, Frimley, Mytchett Recreation Ground playground, Briars Centre playground, Lightwater 

  • Camberley town centre enhancements which may include; new street furniture repairs and improvements, improved CCTV, street and building lighting and improvements to Arnold’s Way – a key link between Pembroke Broadway and Princess Way 

Surrey Heath projects that have already taken place: 

The council is currently in year two of the three-year funding programme. Projects to date have ranged from Frimley Lodge Park Trim Trail enhancements to captioned performances at Camberley Theatre. The Council has also commissioned a business support service where local entrepreneurs can access free support to enhance their business, provided incubator space within Camberley town centre for retail businesses to take their first shop and supported over 100 young individuals to experience entrepreneurship for the first time through the Children’s Business Fair.

What is the UK Shared Prosperity Fund?

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus