£125,000 to be funded by NCIL a tax the council raises on development sites

Putney residents are invited to have their say on a £125,000 plan to rejuvenate Leader’s Gardens and create a new natural play area for local children.

Drop-in sessions were held at the park on Thursday (27 October) to showcase the council’s proposals and to invite feedback but you can download a summary of the plan and submit your feedback by email to skemp@wandsworth.gov.uk.

The new ‘natural play garden’ would be built into the landscape and feature mounds, bridges, a dry river bed, a bug hotel, log stepping stones and a balance wall. Shrubs, grasses and scented plants would be used to create natural barriers dividing the garden into different play zones.

The upgrade project would also see the grassed area next to the Beverly Brook improved with new buggy-friendly pathways and new seats and tables where families can stop and picnic. The space could also be replanted with hardy, shade-tolerant grass and the tree canopy thinned out so it becomes a lighter and more usable space all year round.

The £125,000 project would be funded through the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL), a tax the council raises on development sites to pay for upgrade projects in the surrounding area.

Cllr Jonathan Cook, pictured left, councils parks spokesman, said, "This project would give local children a much more existing and varied play area, as well as creating a much improved open space where everyone can come to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

He added,“The other natural play areas we’ve installed in Wandsworth have proved extremely popular with local families and I hope parents will come and see these plans for themselves.”

October 28, 2016