Over £18.5m from developer contributions invested in building more equal Islington

Since 2022, contributions required from developers have funded major improvements to estates, public spaces, parks, youth facilities, environmental projects, safety measures, and community infrastructure across every ward. This mechanism allows the council to redistribute money to the places it’s needed most, building a more equal Islington for all.  

This programme of improvements is visibly enhancing local areas. This includes:

• Over £18.5 million invested improving Islington through capital delivery projects, enhancing estates and public spaces. 
• Over £4.5 million invested improving estates, from upgraded shared spaces to improved play areas and outdoor facilities. 
• £3.4 million invested in open spaces, making our parks and gardens into beautiful, nature-filled escapes from city life. 
• 24 playground upgrades, plus a further 19 through the Thriving Neighbourhoods programme, helping ensure Islington remains the best London borough for play. 
• 72 landscaping and greening projects, plus 37 from Thriving Neighbourhoods, from biodiversity improvements to refreshed communal gardens. 
• Funding for 25 community gardening programmes, supporting vibrant, resident-led projects. 
• £481,000 invested in community projects and cultural events, strengthening local identity and grassroots organisations. 
• £380,000 invested in public health and sports improvements, boosting residents’ wellbeing and access to facilities. 
• Support for 29 community centres, keeping these vital local hubs thriving. 

These investments reflect the council’s commitment to a healthier, more welcoming borough, where local people see tangible improvements on their doorsteps. 

Islington is also building a more inclusive, robust, and fair economy. In 2024/25 alone, the council’s Inclusive Economy work: 

• Supported over 2,000 local businesses with advice, troubleshooting, and hands-on support across Islington’s high streets. 

• Delivered £1.4 million of UK Shared Prosperity Fund investment, resulting in: 10,000 additional visitors to high streets, improvements to 5,000 sqm of public realm, and upgrades to over 300 sqm of commercial space. 

• Generated £1.33 million of social value through the Affordable Workspaces Scheme, supporting residents with free space, business advice, apprenticeships, and employment. 

• Distributed over £4.4m of Household Support Fund to help low-income households struggling with the cost of living. 

• Funded major cultural programmes, including community festivals, grants supporting diverse creative entrepreneurs, and increased opportunities for young people to engage with the arts. 

These achievements underpin the council’s belief that a more equal Islington is better for everyone. 

Cllr Una O’Halloran, Leader of the Council, said: “We’re delivering real, lasting benefits for local people in more ways than we can count! 

“When new buildings go up in our borough, we make sure the funding secured from developers is reinvested into the heart of our communities – improving estates, creating better play areas, supporting local organisations, and building a fairer borough for everyone. This is what we do best – the extraordinary, everyday. 

“These improvements brilliantly demonstrate how we’re Making it Happen for our residents, and building a happier place to live, one project at a time.” 

This week the council will share content highlighting brilliant projects improving residents’ lives. These will be published across our social media, Islington Life, and the council website.