Westminster Council invests £1.3m to improving Pimlico

Westminster City Council has approved more than £1.3 million for a new programme which will deliver improvements across Pimlico.

The new funding will be used to support and strengthen our local communities, as well as allowing us to develop long-term improvement plans for the area.

Headline announcements for the Pimlico Programme include:

• £1million to extend our High Streets Programme for Pimlico - this aims to create safe, sustainable, welcoming places, a vibrant local economy and connected communities. This funding will be used to develop a long-term improvement plan for Lupus street and areas around the station. We will speak to residents, visitors and local businesses to develop the plan.
• £200,000 for the Community Priorities Programme - this provides grant funding for community-led work to support the health and wellbeing of residents, such as counselling for carers, housing advice workshops, and stay and play activities for parents and children. 
• £50,000 for Digital Dash - provides training opportunities for local talent, bridging the gap between education and work, helping young residents access opportunities with global tech leading businesses.

• £35,000 for Helping Hands - the Young Westminster Foundation programme providing funding and support to those members of the community who are affected by youth violence.   

• £24,000 for Green After School Clubs at Churchill Gardens - gives residents the chance to grow food and to learn about air quality and climate change. 
• Pimlico businesses will also benefit from new support programmes, following the approval of additional funding for high streets across Westminster.

Westminster City Council Cabinet Member Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, Cllr Geoff Barraclough, said:

“We’re investing in high streets and local areas to become more sustainable, resilient and enrich the local community, which is part of our Fairer Westminster commitments.

 

“I’m really pleased the funding will be used to make Pimlico even more welcoming to residents, visitors and businesses and help community groups to continue to deliver their excellent and important services.”               

Westminster City Council’s Pimlico Programme Lead Member, Cllr Jason Williams, said:

“We’ve worked with local people and community groups in Pimlico to find out about any issues they have and how we can tackle them through our improvement plan. 

 

“We want to see Pimlico progress and improve outcomes and opportunities for local people by developing welcoming spaces, enhancing the appearance of Lupus Street the high street and supporting local organisations.”

Maggie Harper, Coordinator from Pimlico Toy Library, said:

“I am thrilled to see the approval of this local government fund, a testament to the open and proactive partnership between our Community and Westminster City Council. Through transparent communication and a shared vision, we've worked together to develop a program that will make a meaningful impact in Pimlico.

 

“I am excited to see the positive changes it will bring and look forward to continuing this strong collaboration."

The Council carried out engagement with residents by hosting the Pimlico Community Conversations, which asked the local community how the Council can support improving and rejuvenating their local area.

From these conversations, the community’s highest priorities were:  

1. Community Activities, Events and Spaces 

2. Crime and Safety 

3. Housing 

4. Children and Young People 

5. Green and Resilient 

Suggestions were also raised about a number of locations that could be improved – especially Lupus Street and the areas around Pimlico Station. The community asked for improvement to also include support for local businesses.

The £1.3 million fund is in addition to other ongoing investment across Pimlico which includes plans for a new Community Hub on Rampayne Street, the Warwick Way Highways Scheme, improvements to Pimlico Gardens and increased CCTV for the area.