£4.7m developer fund boost for Hounslow infrastructure

Hounslow Council’s cabinet this week approved a £4.7 million investment in a wide range of health, transport, parks, leisure and community projects across the borough.

The investment is funded by the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which is paid by developers when new buildings are constructed. The funding must be used for infrastructure needed to support growth, ensuring that new homes are supported by improved services, facilities and public spaces.

This year’s programme allocates £3.663 million to council-led capital projects and £1.016 million to projects delivered by external partners.

The funding agreed at the cabinet meeting on 10th February includes:

• £701,000 to progress the replacement of Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre, covering initial design and engagement
• £688,000 to support Hounslow’s District Heat Network, complementing a £10.5 million external grant
• £330,000 for priority cycle lanes to expand the borough’s safe cycling network and support sustainable travel
• Projects that mitigate flood risk, improve parks, tennis courts and streets.

Allocating Strategic CIL to council-led schemes already in the capital programme saves more than £200,000 annually by avoiding interest costs on borrowing.

Cabinet also approved Strategic CIL funding for local partner organisations following an open call for expressions of interest:

• £400,000 for Middlesex County Cricket Club to reinstate play at Swyncombe Avenue Sports Field, with the venue earmarked as the new home of Women’s and Girls’ cricket in the county
• £416,759 for Let’s Go Out and Learn, a Community Interest Company, which will deliver improvements at Avenue Park by engaging with the community, including landscaping and access upgrades
• £200,000 for West Middlesex University Hospital to upgrade essential electrical infrastructure, reducing reliance on emergency generators, and supporting future connection to Hounslow’s District Heat Network.

These investments are designed to deliver wider community benefits across the borough, supporting sport, health and improved public spaces.

Councillor Tom Bruce, Deputy Leader of Hounslow Council and Cabinet Member for Assets, Regeneration and Development, said: “It is vital that new development directly benefits local people. This year’s CIL programme funds the projects residents tell us matter most, including safer streets, better parks, improved health facilities and high-quality community spaces.

“I’m delighted that this funding will ensure that growth in Hounslow is matched by the investment needed to support thriving, sustainable neighbourhoods, as well as making our borough more attractive to investors as we pursue our ambitious plans for economic growth and regeneration.”