Every 6 months or so, 40 representatives from the Government Offices, local and city councils, DCLG and the European Commission converge in different parts of the UK to discuss Urban II policy issues.
This time Stockwell was hosting. The Stockwell Urban II programme is one of eleven European-funded programmes in the UK (and one of 70 across the EU). It’s worth about £14m of which, £7m comes from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) of the Structural Funds. It runs from 2002-2006 and is geographically focused on funding projects in the LB Lambeth wards of Stockwell and Larkhall with the aim of making them better places to live and work for the 30,000 residents.
A particular feature of the Urban II initiative is the high degree of community involvement at the local level. In Stockwell, the Corporate Regeneration team in LB Lambeth is responsible for the day to day implementation of the programme, advised by the Stockwell Partnership, a local community organisation, while Government Office for London manages the programme overall.
GOL and LB Lambeth jointly organised the conference. As well as discussing programme management issues, the conference showcased European-funded projects. This included a tour of the community development programme at St John’s Church on Clapham Road, which offers activities for families, the elderly and young people. The basement of the church has recently been converted into a youth centre.
Hard hats were donned when the party arrived at the West Stockwell Primary Health & Community Resource Centre. Urban II has contributed £450,000 towards the multi-million pound project for a new reception area and shared spaces. This new community hub will enable local groups, currently based in cramped and inadequate premises, to expand their services and provide accessible space for social events.
Urban II is also delivering a package of environmental and community safety measures in central Stockwell. Partners including TfL, London Underground, LB Lambeth and the Stockwell Partnership are implementing traffic management, crime reduction and social inclusion initiatives.
Funding for Stockwell Urban II is almost all allocated and, the Government is currently consulting on the National Strategic Reference Framework for the new 2007-13 Programme
The conference was an opportunity for the different UK programmes to share best practice, discuss common concerns and see what Stockwell has to offer. One delegate from the north of England commented “I wasn't too sure what to expect in Stockwell, but having walked around it all day I thought it was a lovely place”. The two-day Event enabled all delegates to see some of the real benefits that European funding has brought to the area.
For more information on European programmes contact Stuart Scott on 020 7217 3021
