Purpose

To request approval to submit an application
for grant funding to the Green Roots Fund in the sum of
£400,000.

Content

That the Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods
and Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for
Public Realm and Enforcement:
 
i)              
Approves the submission of an application for external grant
funding to the Green Roots Fund in the sum of £400,000.

Reasons for the decision

If successful, the fund would be used to
support the Wealdstone Brook Restoration Project. Primary
objectives include to increase water flow, reduce the impact of
pollution, increase biodiversity, create a volunteer River Rangers
group and develop an interactive map of all waterways in the
borough to serve as an educational tool to increase public
awareness and understanding of Brent’s River Network and its
ecological significance.

Alternative options considered

The Green Roots Fund is a new grant
administered by the Greater London Authority (GLA) to fund
implementation and enabling projects to improve and create green
and blue infrastructure to strengthen London’s climate
resilience, increase biodiversity, improve access to green space,
build green skills and promote health and wellbeing. If successful,
officers have identified Wealdstone Brook Restoration Project to
receive the funding as a key watercourse serving a large catchment
area with historically poor water quality, stagnant flow, low
amenity and biodiversity value. The local community has also
expressed a strong desire to restore and revitalise the space. The
proposed interventions will help transform Woodcock Park into a
healthier, more resilient and welcoming space.