Around £300,000 from the town’s Neighbourhood Grant funding pot will then be awarded to local groups...
Twenty projects that support the local community have been recommended for Neighbourhood Grant funding, which is managed by Watford Borough Council, and will be considered by Cabinet on 1 December 2025.
Organisations who have been successful with their application will be informed shortly after the decision is confirmed. Around £300,000 from the town’s Neighbourhood Grant funding pot will then be awarded to local groups, including charities, community associations, and voluntary organisations, to support initiatives that will make a lasting difference across Watford.
The funding – managed by the council and available on an annual basis – is generated through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which developers pay on new developments in the borough. Its purpose is to support local projects that address the impact of new development and ensure residents benefit directly from sustainable growth in Watford.
Earlier this year, applicants were required to demonstrate how their projects met the CIL regulations and the council’s Neighbourhood Grant priorities. Residents were once again given the opportunity to show their support by taking part in the public consultation and voting for the projects they wanted to see funded.
Over 4,000 votes were received during the consultation period, reflecting the strong community engagement and enthusiasm for local improvement projects across the town.
Projects recommended for funding include:
- Mediation Herts: To provide mediation and conflict resolution services for Watford residents, supporting individuals, families and neighbours to resolve disputes and strengthen community relations. (£5,000)
- St Mary’s Church Watford: Replacement and installation of new, energy-efficient LED uplighting to enhance visibility and safety around the churchyard of this Grade I listed building. (£11,552)
- Kingsway Junior School PTA: Installation of modern heat pumps to sustainably heat the school’s refurbished swimming pool (£40,000)
- KEL Gospel Ministries: Support for the 'Nourish Together' project, promoting nutrition education, culturally relevant cooking, and inclusive health awareness. (£2,500)
- Random Café: Completion of site development by installing a second building to create a dedicated community space for workshops, courses, events, and toddler groups. (£40,000)
- Herts Bowling Club: Construction of a disability ramp to improve access to the outdoor bowling green. (£19,020)
- Live and Learn Club: The Living It Up Project to provide seasonal social events for older people living with frailty. (£2,500)
- Courtlands Residents Association: Refurbishment of Goodwood Park playground and improvements to the playhouse and surrounding area. (£25,000)
- West Herts ABC & Educational Support: Boxing and fitness sessions for young people aged 16–24 who are not in education, employment or training. (£5,000)
- Home-Start Watford & Three Rivers: Pilot of the Big Hopes, Big Futures school readiness programme, helping parents build routines and confidence to support their child’s transition into school. (£4,795
- Watford Sheltered Workshop: Refurbishment of the organisation’s training POD, which provides practical life skills to service users. (£5,000)
- West Herts Sports Club: Redevelopment of the tennis area to create accessible viewing and rest spaces for members and visitors. (£8,150)
- Friends of Cassiobury Park: Creation of an accessible viewing area overlooking the park’s wetlands, including a raised pathway and screened viewing area. (£30,000)
- Dolphina Gymnastic Centre: Replacement and upgrade of outdated lighting in the gymnasium, offices and entrance areas. (£20,737)
- Rifco Theatre Company: Fifteen Years of Rifco: Watford’s Stories — a creative audio documentary celebrating 15 years of Rifco’s history in Watford. (£2,500)
- Glen Rovers Hurling & Football Club: Installation of floodlights at Radlett Road Playing Fields to create an all-year-round facility. (£46,961)
- Sustainable South West Herts: Establishment of the Watford Repair Café, a community-run initiative offering free repairs for damaged items to reduce waste. (£1,000)
- Grand Union Community Energy: Funding for an Energy Champion to provide home visits and advice sessions. (£3,000)
- Watford Borough Council – Transport & Infrastructure: Restoration of a damaged heritage sign to improve wayfinding. (£7,285)
- Watford Rugby Club: Redevelopment of the outdoor patio area to create an accessible, flood-resistant, and inclusive community space. (£20,000)
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: "It's wonderful to see the creativity and dedication of local groups coming through in this year’s Neighbourhood Grant applications. These projects will make a real difference in our town, improving facilities that local families and people of all ages use regularly. I’m excited to see how these upgraded spaces will strengthen our communities in 2026.”
Cllr Aga Dychton, Deputy Mayor and Portfolio Holder for Community, said: "The Neighbourhood Grant continues to empower residents and organisations to shape their own communities. The projects funded this year highlight the innovation and commitment of people across Watford, and we are proud to support initiatives that strengthen connections, accessibility, and wellbeing in our town."
The 2026-27 Neighbourhood Grant programme will open in summer 2026, however you can email NCIL@watford.gov.uk if you have any questions.
For further information on other community grants, please visit: www.watford.gov.uk/community and for more details on the projects listed.
