Westminster’s Labour-led Council is investing more than £2 million in neighbourhood improvements across the city including better school facilities, more accessible community spaces and stronger digital connectivity for residents and local businesses.
The funding comes from the latest round of the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL), which ensures that money raised from taxes paid by property developers is reinvested directly into local communities
This is what Labour in power looks like: growth that gives back.
Supporting children and tackling inequality
St Marylebone CE School will receive £500,000 for its Healthy Children Project, including new dining facilities and a fitness suite. With 25% of pupils eligible for Free School Meals, this investment will help ensure children can sit down together to eat hot, nutritious food at lunchtime.
At a time when too many families are feeling the pressure of the cost-of-living crisis, Labour is prioritising practical measures that give every child the best start in life.
St Peter Eaton Square Primary School will also benefit from £337,964 for playground improvements, creating safer, more inspiring outdoor spaces for local children.
Opening up heritage and strengthening community spaces
Labour believes heritage should be preserved but historic buildings must serve today’s communities.
Nearly £500,000 has been allocated to improve accessibility at the Grade I listed St Mary Le Strand Church, funding new ramps so wheelchair users, people with limited mobility and families with buggies can easily get into and out of the building.
St Peter’s Church in Eaton Square will receive £314,464 to replace its lift and refurbish its Parish Hall ensuring this important community venue remains open and welcoming to all.
Backing local traders and safer public spaces
Neighbourhood CIL funding will also help upgrade public Wi-Fi at six council-managed street markets and at the Alfred Road Play Area in Westbourne. Reliable connectivity means traders can process card payments smoothly and families can stay connected in public spaces.
This is part of our wider commitment to supporting small businesses and making our neighbourhoods vibrant, inclusive and economically resilient.
Putting development to work for local people
The Community Infrastructure Levy exists so that new development contributes to the infrastructure and facilities local people rely on. Under Labour, that principle is clear: if Westminster is growing, our communities must benefit.
As Cllr Geoff Barraclough, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, said:
“We’re proud to invest in projects that directly improve daily life for residents across Westminster. From modernising school facilities and supporting children’s health, to preserving our shared heritage and strengthening digital connectivity, these improvements reflect our commitment to building a fairer, more accessible and better-connected city.
The NCIL programme allows communities to shape the future of their neighbourhoods, and this latest round of funding will help ensure that our schools, community spaces and markets can continue to thrive.”