MORE than half a million pounds is set to be injected into community projects across Test Valley, it has been revealed.

A cash boost of approximately £600,000 will be awarded from Test Valley Borough Council's cabinet on Wednesday, November 6.

The Plaza Theatre, Winchester Road, Romsey, will be allocated £200,000 to aid their extension, which will allow for a major upgrade of the facility.

The Braishfield Village Hall, Braishfield Road, will receive £95,000 to create a new store room and upgraded kitchen.

Other projects set to benefit from the funding are Ampfield recreation ground, Valley Park Community Centre, Chandler's Ford, Over Wallop War Memorial, Hurstbourne Tarrant flood alleviation scheme and Longparish playground. They will share just over £200,000 between them.

The council will also allocate £100,000 towards improving access at Charlton Lakes, Andover.

The money will come from the Community Infrastructure Levy or CIL, which the council charges on new development across the borough that meets certain criteria.

Those looking to provide new infrastructure, facilities or services can then bid for a share of the levy money.

Projects in the area can bid for CIL funding between April 1 and June 30 each year and there is currently just under £1.2 million in the pot.

Planning portfolio holder and deputy leader of Test Valley Borough Council, cllr Nick Adams-King, said: “New development is crucial to our borough but we must ensure that the local infrastructure can support this growth.

The CIL levy enables us to do just that and I am pleased to see so many deserving projects expected to receive a share of the funds.

“I would like to thank all those who submitted bids and look forward to seeing the delivery of these enhanced facilities over the coming months.”

Bidding is open to ward councillors, parish councils, internal council services, Hampshire County Council, the Environment Agency and other community groups and organisations that wish to deliver infrastructure that will benefit residents and businesses in Test Valley.

To check the local CIL criteria, including which developments are liable to pay the levy and which projects are eligible to bid for funding, visit www.testvalley.gov.uk/cil.