Islington’s housing estates will see new investment as Thriving Neighbourhoods programme reopens for suggestions

More than 200 projects were approved in the first round of funding, including new playgrounds, community centre renovations, better recycling facilities, and improved sports pitches. The scheme is working to make the borough’s estates cleaner, greener, more child-friendly and generally better places to live.

Cllr Una O’Halloran, Executive Member for Homes and Communities said: "Many of our communities in Islington are built around our housing estates, so a vital part of our drive to ensure everyone has a safe place to call home is working to make our estates great places to live. We are investing in the shared spaces on estates that help people come together because we know how important they can be for residents’ wellbeing.

“This is a great opportunity to make your estate more child-friendly by adding some exciting new play equipment, or to help people feel more comfortable during unpredictable hot weather caused by climate change by installing new canopies or seating. We want to know what you want so we can make your ideas into a reality.”

Residents can participate by submitting their suggestions for the second round of the programme. The application process is straightforward, with a simple online form available from today until 11 February 2024. The Thriving Neighbourhoods suggestion form is found on the Islington Council website. After all the suggestions are considered, the successful projects will be announced in May 2024.

Residents are particularly encouraged to suggest projects that promote community cohesion, encouraging people to come together, and enhance both mental and physical wellbeing. Suggestions for new seating and other improvements that will help residents with unpredictable weather patterns due to climate change are also encouraged.

This programme is open to all residents living on Islington Council estates and other members of the estates’ communities.

For residents without computer access, paper forms are available upon request. For any inquiries, residents are encouraged to contact ThrivingNeighbourhoods@islington.gov.uk.

Notes to editors

Thriving Neighbourhoods is a three-year investment programme which will allocate £10million in total across all of the funding rounds. In the first round of funding, approximately £6million was allocated. A third round of suggestions is expected to take place after the funding allocation for the first two rounds has been finalised.