Lambeth to spend £983k government grant on creative, green and skills based projects

Lambeth Council has announced how it plans to spend just under £1 million of government funding aimed at boosting local economic growth, supporting jobs, and improving public spaces.

The money comes from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) – part of the government’s levelling up programme – and will be distributed through the Greater London Authority.

The Council must spend the full £983,639 allocation by the end of March 2026, and has outlined a programme of creative, green, skills-based and community projects.

The largest single chunk of the funding – around £340,000 – will support the borough’s creative and digital industries.

This includes a further round of RE:Purpose, a capital grants scheme offering up to £25,000 for cultural and commercial venues to improve access, energy efficiency and sustainability.

A previous version of the programme funded upgrades at several venues in Brixton and other parts of the borough.

Lambeth Town Hall will also benefit. The Town Hall Art Programme is set to receive a £30,000 boost to deliver more exhibitions and community events by local artists.

A further £50,000 will support the night-time economy, with plans to deliver small cultural events and evening activations aimed at drawing footfall to high streets and making public spaces feel safer.

Examples include Latin night markets in Vauxhall and community events in West Norwood

There’s also £60,000 of business support targeted at creative organisations that have previously received council investment – such as through the Future Workspace Fund or earlier capital schemes – to help them stay financially viable.

Funding is also being directed towards the green economy, with £233,000 allocated to environmental business support and skills training. This includes:

An Innovation Challenge (£63,000), linking clean-tech startups with local organisations to tackle climate-related problems;

A new Net Zero Construction Skills Centre in Nine Elms (£70,000), training residents in retrofit and green building techniques;

Additional green-focused grants through the RE:Purpose scheme.

The health and life sciences sector, a key part of the borough’s SC1 innovation district, will receive £50,000 to fund paid internships for local residents.

The programme aims to open up pathways into high-value healthcare and research careers, particularly for people from underrepresented backgrounds.

Meanwhile, a separate £50,000 fund will provide employment support for economically inactive parents.

The Council says this group makes up a significant proportion of local unemployment and requires more tailored help than is offered by existing programmes.

Two physical improvement schemes are also being backed:

£60,000 for Streatham Green, funding new seating, lighting and play features;

£200,000 for wayfinding and public realm improvements in the Little Portugal area, including a proposed “Welcome to Little Portugal” sign near Nine Elms station.

The Council will also support local Portuguese-speaking businesses to form a business forum.

The Council acknowledges the risk that not all funding could be spent on time. It says it has chosen projects that are ready to go or build on existing work, and will monitor delivery closely alongside the GLA.

Spending plans were approved by Cllr Marcia Cameron, Cabinet Member for Economic Inclusion.