Cambridge Road Estates Play Scheme ( CREPS)

Action Plan   

CAMBRIDGE ROAD ESTATES PLAY SCHEME

[ CREPS]

 

You may recall that, thanks to a Government Grant of £1.1 million, Kingston had ‘ring-fenced’ the funds for a much needed update of the CRE play equipment. The Playbuilder Project was a 2 year project aimed at creating 4 ‘Destination Parks’ across the Borough plus other smaller projects. Cambridge Rd Estate was in year 2 of the project plan and local representatives from both CREst and CRERA plus statutory agencies had been meeting for several months to set in motion the procedures needed to be sure that local families had every chance to express their preferences and where it should go.

 

However, following the May 2010 General Election the funds that had seemed to be secure were ‘un-ring-fenced’. This meant that the funds for this scheme were absorbed in to other projects that were deemed more important. As mentioned earlier, a hastily convened working party met and agreed to seek alternative funding rather than simply allow this long awaited project to fade away.

 I am delighted to inform you that a funding bid was made to ‘The Marathon Trust’ last August and, in January we were informed that this had been successful. The original project had been restricted to the Cambridge Road Estate only and for youngsters up to age 12. The CREPS working party felt that it would benefit a greater number of residents if the scheme was extended to include ‘Fresh Air Fitness ‘ equipment and incorporate Cambridge Gardens into the remit. We therefore applied to ‘Kingston Town’ for a proportion of the funds that have accumulated since ‘The Bill’ have filmed on the CRE. The matter was debated at the Kingston Town committee meeting held on 6th April 2011 where it was agreed that a further £41,000 be released so that this project can not only go ahead but also expand to offer fitness equipment to teenagers and adult residents . It also provides the funds for us to put in place a long term maintenance programme. As an additional extra, we are now in a position to allocate £2000 to the CRE Gardening Project ( CRED) for key items such as a permanent water source.

Over the next couple of months we will be actively seeking the opinions of residents, especially those with families.  We need as many families as possible to ensure that residents truly benefit from this once in a generation project. Sheila Griffin is currently co-ordinating our consultation exercise and is seeking families to get involved with this scheme

 

 

Frequently asked questions.

 

  

So what’s this all about?

 We are improving your community open spaces. We hope to develop some much needed play, fitness, gardening and recreation facilities for everyone to enjoy. We’re here today to talk with you and see if you can help drive this project forward.

 Is this really going to happen this time?

The short answer is a resounding YES! The money has been secured and as you can see from today, the work is beginning.

 When?

 Let’s just say that we hope the Olympics aren’t the only thing you’ll be enjoying next summer!

 How can I help?

You tell us? We would like as much help as possible and have a number of roles that you may be able to fill. From helping with the social media, blogging, photography, attending project meetings, being available for consultations, the possibilities are endless.

Who’s paying for it?

Money has been secured via the London Marathon Charitable Trust and Kingston Town Neighbourhood from the filming fund. This has been put together into one big pot so we can make this happen.

Where will it be?

That’s for you to decide exactly where but both Cambridge Gardens and the Cambridge Road estates will benefit from the scheme.

 Who decides what we have?

You decide! This is a project for the residents by the residents! Yes there are officers from other organisations involved to help initiate this but the entire big decisions lie with us.

Will my views be heard?

Yes, so long as you’re willing to tell us them! We have no intention of going gung ho and just put something in. we will be talking to residents throughout so keep your eye out for future events and be sure to come along and tell us what you think.

Can I help? I want to help?

We want you to help, so get on board! Leave your contact details with us and we’ll be in touch sooner rather then later.