Funding of £380,777 has been awarded to support the improvement of community and sports facilities across Cambridge following applications that were submitted for S106 funding.

The funding has been awarded to 21 projects that were presented to Cambridge City Council’s Environment and Community Scrutiny Committee held on Thursday 18 January.

Some of the approved projects include:

• Improvements to the outdoor courts at Netherhall Sports Centre for which £39,606 has been awarded
• New equipment and furnishings at the Campkin Road Community Centre for which £30,000 has been awarded
• Kitchen improvements at the Ross Street Community Centre for which £28,000 has been awarded
• Improvements to Christ’s Pieces tennis courts for which £37,371 has been awarded.

In addition, £73,666 have been awarded for investment in a new approach to delivering swimming pool disinfection at Parkside Pools. This funded by the S106 swimming pools contributions.

Cllr Rachel Wade, Executive Councillor for Communities, said: “It is great that we have been able to allocate funding to exciting and varied projects – supporting activities from basketball to bowls. These projects will make a real difference to local communities and regular users.

“The improvements will provide residents with the right conditions to continue practising their hobbies, stay active and provide a place where communities can come together and make the most of the facilities available to them.

“Sports and community facilities are really valued by residents. By supporting the delivery of these projects, we can ensure that residents can continue to enjoy them.”

At the committee meeting, S106 funding for public art was also discussed and £40,000 was awarded for a public art project at Nightingale Recreation Ground.

The S106 grant for public art is separate to the funding available for community and sports facility improvements. This grant will see local community groups working with an artist to produce public art within Nightingale Recreation Ground.

Cllr Rachel Wade said: “Art is not only fun but a great way to express yourself and helps to boost self-esteem. By funding this project, we hope that it will engage the local community and start the conversation to decide, in collaboration with the artist, on a meaningful artwork which will enhance the area whilst leaving a lasting legacy that encourages pride within the community.”

The approval of these applications is subject to business case approval and community use agreements.