Planting plans for the future at Sturminster House

The improvements, which will be funded by the council’s Decent Neighbourhoods Programme, aim to improve the quality of life for residents by creating a greener and more attractive outside environment with added community facilities.

Proposals include:

• New planting, including lots of new trees to make the area more attractive and encourage wildlife and biodiversity
• New pathways and walkways to provide better pedestrian links around the block
• Benches to enable residents to sit outside during good weather
• Cycle parking to encourage more green travel
• Extra car parking bays to help alleviate parking issues
• Additional waste and recycling facilities

A community consultation event was held recently when all residents were invited to find out more about the plans and give their feedback and suggestions. Children and younger residents were also asked to give their views on the long term future of the Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) which is situated close to the block. As well as the chance to chat with council staff, the event also included kids gardening and craft activities to encourage younger residents to get involved and have their say.

All of the feedback, comments and ideas provided by residents at the consultation event will be used to create the final plans and we will bring you updates on the progress of the project in future issues of Tenants’ Link.

This is the latest Decent Neighbourhoods project to benefit local council communities. Residents are always given the opportunity to have their say about how the funding is spent to enhance the look and safety of their local area. Previous projects have included landscaping work in Weston, Townhill Park and Sholing, a new car park at Honister Close in Millbrook, an art mural at Copenhagen Towers in Weston, plus the creation of many community gardens across the city which have transformed derelict and unused pieces of land into areas where residents can grow together.

If you have an idea of how Decent Neighbourhoods funding could improve your council neighbourhood, please get in touch with our Tenant Involvement team.