Wandsworth Council is set to invest £52.3 million in infrastructure and leisure facilities across the borough as part of its 'decade of renewal' initiative. The funding, primarily sourced from developer contributions, will enhance community spaces, upgrade leisure facilities, and improve the borough's highways.

The investment plan, approved by the council's Cabinet, includes significant allocations for key projects:

  • £19.5 million towards the regeneration of the Alton Estate, including a new family and community building at Portswood Place.
  • £12.5 million for leisure facilities, encompassing the creation of two new 3G sports pitches and enhancements to existing leisure centres.
  • £8 million dedicated to highway and public realm improvements, focusing on road safety, traffic management, lighting, and signage.
  • £5 million to continue the Disabled Facilities Grants programme, aiding residents with home adaptations for independent living.
  • £2.9 million for the Northcote Development, which includes a new library and community hall.
  • £2.9 million over four years for tree planting initiatives to expand the borough's green canopy.

A speaker addresses an audience seated in a hall during a Balham Forum event.
A speaker addresses an audience seated in a hall during a Balham Forum event.

Councillor Angela Ireland, Cabinet Member for Finance, highlighted the council's commitment to value for money and sound financial management, stating, We are an ambitious council, and our capital programme reflects that. We are undertaking a decade of renewal to create a greener and cleaner Wandsworth, and this is predominantly funded by developers.

The funding will be financed through a combination of grants, developer contributions, council reserves, and borrowing. The council aims to minimise borrowing by maximising external funding sources. Developer contributions and grants are expected to cover over half of the programme's cost over five years. These contributions are secured through mechanisms such as Section 106 receipts and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), with CIL receipts totalling £232.579m to date and future receipts forecast at £8.5m per year. Specifically, £5.1m from developer contributions is earmarked for proposed additions to the Capital Programme.

The proposed Highway Maintenance Programme for 2026/27 prioritises maintenance based on condition-based surveys, engineering assessments, and consideration of environmental, legal, safety, and locality factors. The programme also includes maintenance of housing estate roads and footpaths funded by the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). For the coming year, specific areas targeted for footway improvements include Balham (Morella Road, Ranmere Street, Ritherden Road, Brenda Road, Cheriton Square, Chestnut Grove, Eatonville Road). A comprehensive list of all targeted areas for highway and public realm improvements is available in the Proposed Highway Maintenance report 26-33.

Map of South West London showing numerous red pins indicating locations of interest or data points.
Map of South West London showing numerous red pins indicating locations of interest or data points.

Further details on the council's capital programme and financial management can be found in the Public reports pack for the Cabinet meeting on 23rd February 2026 Public reports pack 23rd-Feb-2026 16.00 Cabinet.