Central Projects

ITV Central is the largest of ITV’s regions and spreads from Skegness in Lincolnshire to the Welsh border, and from Chesterfield in the north to parts of Oxford in the south.

Over the past five years of the People’s Millions competition we have seen some great projects in the region. Previous winners include a memory garden, restoration of a Victorian greenhouse, a giant climbing boulder and many more.

Development of Access for Disabled & the setting up of a Garden Club

The project is to set up and develop two allotments sites.

Allsorts Pre-school, New Building

The project is to replace a portacabin with a purpose built pre-school classroom, landscape the site and create a sensory garden.

FRESH Education Centre

Ecoworks was founded in 1991 & it exists to provide social care through environmental care to those who are disadvantaged. They currently offer gardening & craft activities to people with mental health issues or who experience social exclusion in some way. They also offer horticultural training to 16-24 year olds; subsidised fruit and vegetable sales to those most in need and healthy meals provided at their 'Harvest Caf?'. This project is called Fresh (Food, Regeneration, Education, Sustainable Harvest) and it aim's to produce home grown, organic, cheap fruit & vegetables for the local community. This will be done via training & education of local community members from residents to school children. Ecoworks will refurbish14 allotment sites which will include putting in paths, raise beddings & restoring an old brick shed & victorian greenhouse. The project will be environmentally friendly using a renewable energy system.

The Garden of Hope

The project is to transform a derelict piece of land into a garden for children and their families.

Knighton Park Junior to Senior Play Area

The project is to replace existing equipment in a Council owned park.

'Wich' Barge is Best

The project is to reconstruct a life size Wich barge on the banks of the Droitwich Canals involving people from all areas of the community. This will create a focal point to commemorate the historical significance of the canals and salt industry to Droitwich.

Get Hooked on Fishing at Rowheath Pool

The project is to improve the lake area of Rowheath Park in Birmingham. It will improve the appearance and accessibility of the lake and its use as a fishing facility, particularly for disadvantaged young people.

Renovation and Development of Silkmore Lane Sports Ground

A project to renovate and develop the former Staffordshire Police Sports Ground at Silkmore Lane, Stafford to provide a place for young people to play football.

Bronte Close Community Green Space Project

The project will turn an overgrown unmanaged area of land into a toddlers playground and an area for casual ball games. Safety would be improved by the opening up of this area, and the area would be made cleaner by the removal of an area where rubbish accumulates as it is not visible to passers by.

Barlaston Park Play Area

The project will replace the existing grass five-a-side football pitch with an enclosed, all-weather surface, plus the addition of seating, youth shelters and skate boarding ramps. The project will take place in the village of Barlaston in Staffordshire.

The Overton Park Pond Saver, TOPPS

This project will landscape and improve a natural pond area in a park which runs residential courses for young people with behavioural difficulties.

Derby Arboretum Boulder

The project will pay for the construction and installation of a climbing boulder in Derby Arboretum park. The aim is to provide a climbing facility for the local community, with particular emphasis on providing a sporting facility for women/girls, as well as being used by more specialised climbing groups.

'Y-Pod' Cafe

The project would transform the former Neighbourhood Project offices into a contemporary cyber-café providing free internet access and serving healthy, affordable food. It would also refurbish the current kitchen area into a wet art room. The project would take place in Podsmead, Gloucestershire.

Live a Dream Touch The Elements

The project will turn the existing tarmac playground into a new play area that will be accessible to all. It will include a sensory/music garden, activity area, and a role play area. The school is a resource school for children with disabilities, and this project will allow the school to install play equipment that is tailored to their needs as well as the general school population.

Taste for Adventure

Taste for Adventure Centre provides outdoor adventure activities for disabled, young and elderly people at the organisation's centre in Hereford. Their work assists disadvantaged people to develop self-confidence, personal and social skills and a sense of responsibility by participating in outdoor pursuits. This project would improve vehicular access, parking, and wheelchair access at the centre. It would also fund new obstacles for the problem solving/obstacle course. The project would take place in Credenhill Village, Hereford.

JCC Family Learning Centre

The project will develop existing nursery facilities so that the provision can be offered to more families in the local community including the disabled.

We Are Here!

27a Access Artspace Ltd deliver quality arts workshops and projects to people with all disabilities. The creative programme includes visual arts and crafts, film and video skills, drama and performance, music, creative writing and exhibition opportunities. The project will renovate the arts group's premises to provide better facilities for their disabled users. It will provide added security, and pay for a member of staff to concentrate on project management and promotion for the group.

Social Area For All Users of the College

TICK BOX PILOT PROJECT. The project is to create a coffee bar area for use by students of the college and other community users.

Sporting Venue for Community and School Use

TICK BOX PILOT PROJECT. The project is to create a safe and easily accessible sports facility for the whole community, with the aim of increasing health and well-being. The sporting environment will also be used by the school.

Ewyas Harold Playground Users project

The project will upgrade an existing play area by replacing the safety surfacing and providing stimulating play equipment designed by the children. The play area will link to a local archaeological dig taking place in the village to help the young people learn about the local history.

Multi Use Games Activity Concentrating on 11+ Years

The project would develop an all weather, multi-sport games area and meeting area for youth to socialise at. The project would also include youth shelters, bike racks, footpaths and car park with disabled access. These improvements would take place in Gnosall near Stafford.

Rising Brook Allotment Rehabilitation

The project will improve the allotments by adding a new road surface and two new temporary buildings. One of the buildings will replace the current shop and the other will be used as a multi purpose room for meetings and social events and will have disabled toilet facilities. Access for people with disabilities will also be created. The improved facilities will enable extended participation of the allotment within the community.

Baby Cafe Bus

This project will refurbish a bus into a mobile Baby Café. This would be a drop-in facility for mothers and pregnant women wanting to find out more about breast-feeding. The bus will be parked in different locations each week for women to meet other mothers, feed their child and access specialist advice from staff and volunteers trained in peer support. This project will take place in Oxford.

Small Heath Community Cricket Club

The project would develop a piece of abandoned land into a cricket ground for the local community. The aim of the project is to reduce the amount of anti-social behaviour in the area and create a safe place for children to play. The project would take place in Small Heath, Birmingham.

Play in the Park

The project will involve the development of an existing play area to include activities that will benefit all ages. The current playground is outdated and not utilised to its full potential. The group intend to develop further activity spaces in different areas of the park to complement those that already exist and to meet the various needs of the variety of ages and sections of the local community. The group have carried out consultation to identify needs and the features highlighted so far include a water feature, playground equipment, a seating area, an assault course, skateboarding and crazy golf areas; and an open space for ball games. The group are working in parnership with the parks department. The project will benefit a total of 5,000 people.

Oak Farm Project

The project will refurbish an unused farm building to the rear of existing tearooms and gardens in the village of Ditton Priors. These facilities were developed during phase one of the project in 2006, with funding from DEFRA. This next phase of the refurbishment will add a 'Village History Archive', plus a bakery and a farm shop selling locally grown produce, to this existing facility. The local volunteer history group will run the archive, and the farm shop will be run in partnership with a day service for adults with learning disabilities, from the nearby Oak Farm Day Service. The organisations currently work together effectively to provide volunteers with opportunities for work experience in the tearooms and gardens.

Conversion of Facilities for the 21st Century

The proposed project will replace the existing community centre toilets, with modern ventilated facilities that will include provision for disabled users. The centre will also be rewired so that recently purchased computer facilities can be used by an after school club that use the site. An asphalt access path to the hall is currently in a very poor state and will also be resurfaced. There will be an estimated 400 beneficiaires.

Pool Project

The project will upgrade the current open-air swimming pool, located adjacent to the primary school. A conservatory style sliding roof extension will be added, and the existing changing facilities will be renovated. A disabled changing area and toilet will be added, together with a new gated entrance to make the pool accessible to all, and to improve security by separating the entrance from the school yard. Solar powered pool heating will be installed to reduce heating costs, and the impact upon the environment. These improvements will allow greater use of the pool all year round and encourage increased use by community groups and the general public.

Golden Valley Park

The project will develop the Golden Valley Park, to both increase its size and increase its accessibility to the local community. A new footbridge will be constructed over a heritage railway line that runs through the park, whilst new footpaths and fencing will also be added. 4.8 acres of woodland that adjoins the park will also be purchased to extend the park. There will be an estimated 150,000 beneficiaries.

Our Space

The proposed project will transform an area of wasteland into a purpose-built, naturally landscaped youth leisure area. The area will feature games facilities and provide a place for young people in the area to meet. There will be an estimated 500 beneficiaries.

Dressing Room Rebuild

The project will enable the group to remove existing theatre dressing-rooms and replace them with new rooms which will be built with lift access to the level of the stage, this will allow greater access for wheelchair bound users who are currently restricted due to stepped access. The improved facility will open the work of the organisation to the wider community.

Project Inspire

The project will convert the village church building into a church and community hall where people in the village can run community groups and events. The new community centre would enable older people to hold coffee mornings, provide a venue for a youth club and recreational activities for young people and for social events for adults. The project would also reduce the use of cars in the village as they would not need to travel for services. Around 450 people will benefit.

Raising the Roof of the Peace Hall

The project will replace the existing flat roof at the rear of the memorial hall with a sloping ridge roof. The current flat roof leaks and reduces the capacity of the hall. The number of beneficiaries is estimated at 39,300.

Inspirational Play

This project will see the development of a community garden to extend the play area of the village hall in Edwinstowe, incorporating sensory, allotment and wildlife areas. The idea is to create a natural recreational environment that will make young children comfortable with nature so that they are more liable to embrace a healthy outdoor lifestyle in the future. The facility will be open to all pre-school children and can also be enjoyed by all generations of the community. Approximately 500 individuals will benefit.

Bonington's Brilliant Outdoor Adventures

The project involves the redesign and building of an outdoor sensory environment where the children will be the driving force of the project, using their ideas and needs to inform the design of an enriched outdoor experience. The children will plant fruit and vegetables for themselves and their families within an allotment and this positive example of healthy living will also be encouraged to be transferred to the home environment. In addition a safe, supervised, outdoor adventure will be created where all children will have the opportunity to extend their motor development. This will take the form of climbing frames, tree swings, rope pulleys and den building. A water feature, therapeutic maze and contemplation/quiet area are also envisaged. the project will take place in the grounds of Bonington Infant and Nursery School in Nottingham. There will be approximately 400 beneficiaries.

Leighswood Memory Garden

The project will create a memory garden in a currently disused space adjacent to the organisation's premises, for use by tenants of the housing estate that includes sheltered housing for older and vulnerable residents, plus anyone using the services at Family Guidance. The project seeks to engage local residents as volunteers and serve over 1,000 beneficiaries.

Open Access Farm

The project aims to create a village farm adjacent to Newcastle Children's Centre, which will provide a significant attraction to engage members of the local and wider community. It will provide an opportunity to show people where food comes from, how it is raised and how it enters the food chain. Volunteers and visitors, local schools and colleges with the support of health trusts, Job centre and other statutory agencies will do this through hands-on animal husbandry. A range of formal and informal learning activities and the development of an interactive live webcam to track the progress of the project build will extend the project to a diverse range of service users. Renewable power will be generated through a range of physical activities such as the cycle machines that will be used to run audiovisual displays and interactive IT stations.

Playground Paradise

The project will convert an existing play space into a physical activity, games and learning area. It will improve play facilities for children and young people both during the school day and through extended school provision after school and during the h

Keep our School in SHAPE!

The project will transform an existing play space on a large area of tarmac and grass into a multiuse games and learning area. The area will be split into zones to include a games area, an imagination area, a covered outdoor classroom, a climbing and adventure zone and a quiet area. It will improve play facilities for children and young people both during the school day and through extended school provision after school and during the holidays. There will be 462 beneficiaries from both the school and the wider community.

Gilmorton Community Youth Project

The project will involve the construction of a multi-purpose ball court for basketball, football and cricket etc on a recreation field on the Gilmorton housing estate in Leicester. The project would be open to all children and youths and include the provision of wheel chair friendly paths and pavement ramps. The site is located adjacent to the current BMX trail and the project will make this more accessible. The project will be community led throughout and will benefit 300 individuals.

River Gardens Childrens Project

The project will renovate an existing outdated play area for children up to the age of 19 and replace it with a new facility, which will contain themed play equipment in order to promote the history of the valley site to both children and adults in a hands-on, proactive manner. The project will be community led and aims to involve one or more schools. The project will take place in the Belper River Gardens section of Derwent Valley Park in Belper. There will be 25,000 beneficiaries.

Scoutzilla The Mammoth Project

The project involves the complete renovation of a scout hut to provide existing members, new recruits and the local community with new opportunities and increase the scope of future activities. Throughout the project itself, individuals will gain valuable skills in construction techniques, DIY and enhanced social skills through community teamwork. Also included in the project is the installation of a disabled toilet and improved access for wheelchair users. There will be approximately 300 beneficiaries. The hut will also be available for use by other community groups to hold events when the scouts and guides are not using it.

Securing The Future Bentley Village Hall

The project seeks to modernise this well used village hall, providing safe access to the property. Funding will bring the facilities up to the required health and safety standards, providing a safe and warm environment in which to continue to provide services such as mother and toddler sessions and other community group meetings. A stage area will enhance the range of services offered, to include drama groups and film shows. The improved and relocated kitchen will enable the hall to continue to cater for its user groups. Disabled access will increase accessibility to the hall. The applicant states that the hall is the only local public amenity, as the village does not have a school, shop or pub, and no public transport. It is set in a rural agricultural community.

Woods for Wellbeing in Telford

The project will improve urban woodland in Telford, with improved pathways, easier access and signage boards. It will engage the wider community to improve the health of local people and of the park wildlife to regain the site's wildlife designation, through conservation volunteering, training, events and projects to enhance facilities for public and wildlife recreation and enjoyment. The applicant states that the woods are deteriorating and as a result bird life and plant life are diminishing. Local volunteers will help to thin out the existing trees to let more light through and clear entrances to encourage more use by the community. The site is of significant value as a local heritage spot, and ideally placed for use by visitors such as local schools and community groups. This funding would enhance the accessibility.

CAR Project Community Against Recession

The CAR project will provide activities for the community to inspire them work, train, and volunteer. The project will provide financial and counselling services and opportunities for positive social engagement enabling members of the community to better cope with the effects of recession and prevent social exclusion. The group will offer IT sessions to support unemployed and recently redundant people, facilitating the development of skills and improving employment prospects. Isolated older people will be encouraged to attend a monthly 'Supper Club', and transport will be provided to ensure accessibility. Individuals and families with low incomes, or those who face financial difficulties, will have the opportunity to attend money/debt management sessions and access advice services. The group will also deliver activities to engage young people, including a youth cafe, homework club, and relationship development workshops. The project will be delivered from the Old Post Centre.

Hilton Sensory Garden

This project will provide a wildlife haven for birds, small mammals and insects right in the heart of one of Derbyshire's fastest growing villages and bring together the many and varied community groups in the area, not just in the creation but also the use and maintenance of this community resource. The local scouting groups, a village playgroup and the Hilton village gardening club, along with organisations such as Toyota, Rolls Royce, Persimmon Homes and the Rotary of Etwall and Hilton are all helping the Parents, Teachers & Friends Association to bring a touch of outdoor learning to the whole community. This is a long term project which will leave a legacy for the community of Hilton long into the future and will be available for use by a wide cross section of the residents of Hilton and the surrounding area

Queen Elizabeth Park Play Area

The project will develop a castle themed children's play area in Queen Elizabeth Park. The play area will include natural play features as part of the landscape setting for the main castle feature. Children from local schools and the community will be involved in the design of the play area and creating interpretation panels, which will tell the story of the castle and the development of Newcastle-under-Lyme. The project will provide exercise opportunities whilst stimulating learning about the history of the area. It will improve the local environment by creating a much needed community facility on a currently under-used and uninspiring site which will provide opportunities for local children to access and enjoy their environment through play, exercise and learning.

SSART team control van

The project will allow this voluntary, self funding, organisation to purchase a replacement control vehicle to increase its capacity for Search and Rescue assignments. Their current control vehicle is 41 years old and is lacking in space, has poor lighting and expensive to run. The new vehicle will have mapping facilities, ample lighting, communications, a built in generator and a side awning that will enable it to link into emergency services control vehicles. The team are always there to Help people in times of need and distress, now they are asking for you to help them. This new vehicle will help us save lives. visit www.staffssearchandrescue.org for more details or to enquire about membership.

Impact Youth Theatre

The project funding will renovate a hall within a historical building owned by the applicant organisation. It will then be used as a theatre space and community hub for young people in and around Wednesbury. Arts practitioners will be hired to engage with young people and create a programme of events. The applicant states that participating in art, music, drama and dance can build confidence, self-esteem and self-discipline and help develop social and team-working skills. It can also help young people to be more open-minded, better able to make friends and to deal with difficult experiences, and be more creative in their thinking. The aim of the project is to provide a community facility and improve community cohesion in a centrally located accessible space. Young people in the Lea Brook, Wednesbury and surrounding area have very little to do! There is no formal entertainment structure in the town, no cinema, no skate-park, no disco, no nightclub, no ice rink, no bowling alley, no centre point of activity! There are 12,000 'youngsters' in the town under the age of 24, and there is an expectation for them to travel to West Bromwich, Walsall or Dudley to find such venues or events. In addition, local neighbourhoods across the world are affected by global changes as never before. People are rootless and insecure, while shifting work, family patterns and widespread anxiety about every day life have left previously coherent areas apprehensive, fragmented and suspicious. All too often this fragmentation can begin to contribute to violence, racial tension, alienated youth and a resentful underclass. But there is a way forward!

Forward '09

There are two reasons why we are applying to The People’s Millions for funding and they are both related to the other. The first reason is we would to renovate Bennett Hall and totally refurbish it. Bennett Hall was built in the 1950’s and is now beginning to look a little tired. Although we run a number of activities in the hall already we feel that if we can renovate it we will be able expand on the activities we are already running. Ideally we would like to be able to put on more sporting activities and open the hall up to amateur dramatics and from time to time even run productions. The second reason we are applying for funding is so that is that we can open the community centre up to the surrounding children and teenagers. We are hoping to employ a designated Youth Worker to develop our relationship with the community further than it already goes and if we have Bennett Hall refurbished and ready to go this would be a huge benefit. If we do get the funding we will be able to open Bennett Hall up to the local children on a daily basis and offer activities designed for and partially run by them. The overall aim of the project is to provide an improved and accessible community hall to increase community use, particularly by young people, through additional arts and social activities to meet the needs of the local community in Harborne and Quinton.

Young Mums Creative&Healthy Communities

The project will provide support, training and guidance to young parents, who are not currently in education, employment or training, through community based learning sessions around issues such as healthy eating, personal development, confidence building, literacy and numeracy. Art workshops will be held to encourage participants to visualise their personal aspirations and those they have for their children. The finished pieces will be displayed to raise awareness of the work of the service users and encourage community cohesion.