Published on Tuesday 14 January 2025
Community projects across Bournemouth and Poole are set to benefit from more than £1.6million of funding.
The sixth round of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Neighbourhood Portion Funding is being made available to residents, businesses and community groups in the two towns.
CIL Neighbourhood Portion funding is a planning charge, set locally, on new development that is intended for reinvestment into local infrastructure projects that address the impacts of development in their areas.
To date more than £1.5million has been awarded to 123 projects across Bournemouth and Poole. Funds are allocated separately to Christchurch town and parish councils for redistribution.
For this latest round a pot of £1,606,796 is being made available with the hope of bringing some crucial community ideas to life.
Projects can benefit from a couple of hundred pounds to more than £100,000 in exceptional circumstances. Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council is now encouraging residents and community groups to submit bids ahead of the deadline on March 24 2025.
Details on how to apply can be found here.
Previously successful bids include £50,000 to improve Knyveton Gardens, £30,000 for Canford Cliffs Library to extend their community meeting room, and £9,700 to allow Poole Foodbank to refurbish an empty retail unit in the town centre.
The council is keen to hear from projects that will improve, benefit and shape communities for the future.
Projects could include:
- Environmental improvements – such as landscaping and enhancing open spaces
- Public art
- Street furniture
- Equipment for a community group
- Provision of more facilities for the community
- Projects that are beneficial to a local ward area
- Projects that benefit the broader community
BCP Council operates a scheme for wards within Bournemouth and Poole areas outside areas with an adopted Neighbourhood Plan. Communities can bid for funding contributions collected from development that has taken place in their ward area.
Cllr Millie Earl, Leader of BCP Council, said: “I am pleased to open this sixth round of community project funding and I am looking forward to seeing the exciting ideas that you want to see delivered in your neighbourhood, road, park or community centre.
“It’s great that money raised from developments can be reinvested into our communities to deliver on projects - big or small - that matter to them.
“For the best chance of success, I encourage you to get involved early and share your ideas with your ward councillors who can support you with the application process.”