Greenwich is set to significantly improve its roads and pavements with an £8 million investment over the next five years. The funding boost, announced during a recent Greenwich Council Cabinet meeting, will more than double the existing budget for pothole repairs and resurfacing.
The investment is part of a broader £60 million 'Greenwich: Getting Things Done' programme, which addresses key issues identified as priorities for residents. The programme focuses on eight key areas, including improvements to town centres, tackling fly-tipping, enhancing community safety, upgrading community hubs, building a primary specialist Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) school, creating a multi-use SEND facility for young adults, and investing in culture.
Councillor Calum O'Byrne Mulligan, Cabinet Member Climate Action, Sustainability and Transport, said the investment would make the borough's roads and pavements safer for everyone. This will make our roads and pavements safer for everyone,
he stated, adding that smoother surfaces would benefit wheelchair users, parents with prams, and all pedestrians.
The increased budget, drawn from developer contributions, aims to improve road surfaces for all users, including cyclists and drivers, leading to smoother journeys and reduced vehicle repair costs. Councillor O'Byrne Mulligan emphasised that road and pavement maintenance matters to all residents, regardless of how they travel. Potholes or dodgy pavements aren't just an inconvenience, but they can also be unsafe. And that's why we're investing to fix them properly,
he said.
Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Council, acknowledged the serious budget pressures facing the council but highlighted the importance of this £60 million investment in addressing key issues and benefiting residents. The breakdown of the £60 million investment across the eight priority areas is detailed below:
| Area | Total (£) |
|---|---|
| Town Centres | 2,202 |
| Fly Tipping | 4,961 |
| Community Safety | 4,356 |
| Street and Road Resurfacing | 8,000 |
| Community Hub | 1,500 |
| Primary Specialist SEND School | 24,000 |
| Multi Use SEND Facility for Young Adults | 12,350 |
| Culture | 2,500 |
The 'Greenwich: Getting Things Done' programme is funded from one-off sources, including grants, Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), and Section 106 contributions from developers. The programme aims to improve local services, reduce costs, support economic development, and improve outcomes for communities and residents.
