Cambridge residents are invited to put forward their ideas for the Environmental Improvement Programme (EIP) through the council's online consultation platform.
A total of £170,000 is available to be allocated to the proposed projects – up to £5,000 is available for local projects unless they are strongly supported in which case up to £10,000 could be made available. Up to £20,000 is available for projects that will enhance larger areas of the city.
In the past, funding has been allocated to planting trees and wildflower areas to improve biodiversity, improving recreation grounds and war memorials, installing gates, benches, notice boards and wayfinding lighting.
To be eligible for funding, projects need to:
- Support the council’s commitment to improving local areas
- Have a direct, lasting, and noticeable improvement to the appearance of a street or area
- Be a capital project (creating or buying a new item, or refurbishing an existing item)
- Be publicly visible and accessible
- Have no or low future maintenance costs.
Residents can also express their thoughts on the ideas put forward by other residents by liking, disliking, and commenting on the ideas – this helps the council understand what projects residents are most keen to see fulfilled.
Cllr Sam Carling, Executive Councillor for Open Spaces and City Services, said: “The Environmental Improvement Programme enables us to work closely with residents to improve our streets and open spaces for everyone's enjoyment, whilst finding ways to support the environment and mitigate the impacts of the biodiversity emergency.
“I look forward to seeing what is suggested – large or small, every idea is important, and we hope that lots of residents will share ideas with us.”
The deadline to put forward a project idea is Friday 10 August. Successful projects will be funded early in 2024.
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