New look for Sholing

The transformation work, which has been funded by our Decent Neighbourhoods programme includes:

• Resurfacing footpaths
• Levelling former garage sites and resurfacing three car parks
• Creating new enclosed garden areas at each block to provide seating areas
• Improvements to communal green spaces
• Installing new informal play equipment for young children
• Planting 50 new trees
• Creating new screened off bin areas (and removing the redundant old brick-built bin areas)

It is expected the work will be finished later in the spring in time for the warmer weather when residents will be able to enjoy spending time outdoors in their new look neighbourhood. The new garden areas will provide places to sit and relax outdoors and a safe area for children to play – important additions to the neighbourhood for residents living in flats without a garden of their own.

Local resident Emma says the improvements will make a big impact:

“We are excited that our area is looking more attractive, it will bring the community together and makes the area look updated with a modern twist. I will feel safer in the evenings and when out playing with my children.”

Local people have been consulted throughout the process and the final list of improvements was decided upon based on comments and feedback from residents. Providing high-quality outdoor space was a top priority for the local community and so we are delighted that funding has been used to improve the external environment for the benefit of all residents.  

This area of Sholing is just the latest council area to benefit from the Decent Neighbourhoods programme which was established to fund projects that improve the look and safety of council neighbourhoods. Residents are involved in helping to decide how Decent Neighbourhoods funding is spent to enhance their communities and previous projects have included community gardens, car parking and community artwork.