The proposed project aims to transform the Glenconnor green space in Linlathen into a vibrant, multi-functional hub for recreation, fitness, and community engagement. At the heart of this initiative is the development of a floodlit Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), a modern running track, and a play trail designed for all ages. These enhancements build upon the existing, yet underutilised, small games area—addressing residents' requests for an upgraded space that better serves the community’s needs and aspirations. A Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) is a flexible outdoor space designed for various sports and activities, including football, basketball, netball, hockey, and general exercise. These areas promote inclusivity, efficient land use, community cohesion, and health. MUGAs are cost-effective and easy to maintain, making them valuable assets for communities and schools. The addition of a track around the perimeter of the games area is a unique aspect and can be utilised by people of all ages for running, cycling and skateboarding. The attached design plan offers a visual representation of the revitalised green space, demonstrating how thoughtful planning and community input can work hand-in-hand to create accessible and dynamic environments. The intention is for the project to be supported with funding through Environmental Improvements via Dundee City Council- pending committee process, with a total funding cost of £180k. The application to the Neighbourhood Capital Fund is seeking an £80,000 contribution to this total. By investing in these facilities, the project seeks to encourage greater use of the green space, promote healthier lifestyles, and foster stronger social connections among residents. The enhanced amenities will not only provide new opportunities for physical activity and play but also contribute to a sense of pride and ownership within the community. Ultimately, the improved Linlathen green spaces will stand as a testament to the power of local engagement and collective action in building inclusive, resilient neighbourhoods. The opportunity to develop this space links directly with outcomes in the East End Community Plan including “Improving Green and Open Spaces” and “Increasing opportunities for Physical Activity”. This is also aligned with recommendations in the Linlathen Narrative Inquiry, which suggests the establishment of community green spaces or gardens through collaborations between local residents and Dundee City Council. The video link in the attachments shows the issue of improving green and play spaces being raised by a broad section of the local community.

Local residents, through their involvement in the Linlathen Local Fairness Initiative, have played a pivotal role in shaping the vision for this project. Their feedback and participation in leadership development workshops have directly informed the design and priorities, ensuring the improvements reflect what matters most to those living in the area. A total of 26 people were consulted through an outreach approach targeting households on the periphery of the site across several streets. Outreach engagement at the local food larder and family activity group took place. The majority view was strongly positive, with 25 out of 26 supporting the MUGA and all participants in favour of installing new lights, though some concerns were raised about potential vandalism and anti-social behaviour. Residents suggested including activities like football, tennis, and resources for toddlers, and emphasised community engagement—particularly involving local youth—to ensure the project's success. Local residents were also invited to an open information session through social media advertising and a leaflet drop. There was a low turnout to this information session, however community members were given the opportunity to make objections should they wish. There is evidence of wider community backing for a project of this nature as the improving spaces to play and be physically active was one of the main themes that was reported through the community priorities survey for the Neighbourhood Capital Fund. Linlathen faces challenges such as limited availability of sports facilities, increasing youth inactivity and related health issues along with several data zones in Linlathen falling within decile 1 or 2 in SIMD, indicating very high levels of deprivation.

Local Priority: 

- Improving local facilities to allow for more social, learning and creative activities

- Improving local playparks and greenspaces

Since 1986, The Yard has supported thousands of disabled children and families through inclusive play and family support, guided by the belief that disabled children deserve equal opportunities to build confidence, make friends, learn new skills, develop their independence, and most importantly, have fun. We are currently renovating our Mid Craigie support centre to accommodate the growing number of families that are approaching us for support. Approximately 37% of our current members in Dundee live in the East End in deprived areas like Linlathen and Mid Craigie, where 20% of young people aged 0-15 have a long-term health condition or disability (Census 2022). This represents a significant intersection between disability and poverty, and a real need for low-cost support services likes ours that blend whole family wellbeing support with accessible play activities. This renovation will improve access to a much-loved local play space through more fit-for-purpose facilities and the introduction of new services running throughout the week. In addition to the social, learning and creative activities that disabled children will be able to access through play, parents and carers will also benefit. Through on-site family support activities, such as peer support groups, educational workshops, a community larder and more, they can meet and learn from others in similar situations, discover creative new ways to support their child, build confidence, and feel less isolated. Through this development, we hope to go from supporting 337 families per annum to approximately 500 by the end of 2026. Funding from the Dundee Neighbourhood Capital Fund would fully fund the purchase of a portable interactive floor projector, for flexible sensory play around the centre. Sensory play is popular among all who attend The Yard, and it has been recognised as a vital component of childhood development. However, it is particularly beneficial for the many children who visit The Yard who are autistic and/or have sensory processing difficulties. This floor projector will provide opportunities for sensory play and relaxation outwith our dedicated sensory room, making the benefits of sensory play more accessible to all. It is pre-loaded with 300 interactive games and activities, including team games that promote social interaction. Moreover, as transitions can also be difficult for many autistic and other neurodivergent children, a portable floor projector would also be used to ease transitions in and out of the centre by giving them something fun to focus on as they arrive and leave.

We have delivered services in Dundee since 2015, after local families told us that there were few accessible leisure and social activities for their disabled child within their area. Since then, we have established our service and reputation, building partnerships with other local organisations, both in the East End and across Dundee more broadly. For example, we are integrated into the Linlathen Fairness Initiative, a Scottish Government funded pathfinder project aimed at reducing poverty in Linlathen. The renovation of our Mid Craigie centre follows an extensive consultation period, which started back in 2017 with the commissioning several independent evaluation reports, with one report focusing specifically on how we could better meet the needs of the local community. Within this report, consultants interviewed 13 parents and carers and 17 external stakeholders (public and third sector professionals), and delivered a workshop with 10 pupils with additional support needs from Kingspark School, in order to identify our priorities for service expansion and the design of the new centre. Through this process, they identified that “families want a bigger, more extensive service that would continue the non-judgemental and empowering environment while opening up to a more diverse range of children.” More recent conversations with families using our Dundee service revealed that transitions between activities were a common challenge for many children. We carried out some research into resources we could use to help families with these transitions and found that a portable floor projector could be a good solution. Upon discovering that these projectors often include a wide range of interactive games, that could encourage our families to connect with one another through shared play and teamwork, we decided that it would be an invaluable addition to our new space.

We are seeking funding to transform a neglected and unsafe area of our community playground in the Lochee Ward—an area identified in the most deprived 10% of the Scottish population according to the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation 2020. We are seeking funding to transform a neglected and unsafe section of our community playground into a vibrant, welcoming, and safe space for children and families. The current area is overgrown, with broken planters and uneven surfaces that pose safety risks and limit use. Our goal is to replace the hazardous terrain with tarmac for safer play, while retaining pockets of greenery and installing buddy benches to promote family gatherings and community cohesion. Working alongside the school, the Balgarthno Parent Council are excited to try and enhance this area for all the school children and the local community.

A portion of our community playground has become increasingly unsafe due to overgrown vegetation, damaged and unstable planters, and poorly maintained ground surfaces. This area, once intended for communal use, now poses trip hazards and restricts children's ability to play freely and safely. Families often avoid the area, diminishing the overall appeal and function of the playground.

Proposed Solution:

With the requested funding, we will:

• Clear the overgrown vegetation and remove all hazardous structures, including broken planters.
• Tarmac the surface to create a smooth, even, and safe area suitable for a range of activities and accessible to all children, including those with mobility challenges.
• Retain some grassy areas to maintain a natural feel and support biodiversity.
• Install buddy benches to encourage longer visits and community interaction.
• Add bright, cheerful colours to enhance the space visually, making it more engaging for children.

This revitalisation will:

• Improve safety and accessibility for all children.
• Provide a safe space for children and families to play together.
• Encourage outdoor play and physical activity.
• Foster community spirit by creating a shared, inclusive space for all residents.

By enhancing this area of the playground, we will create a safe, attractive, and functional space that benefits the entire community. The transformation will ensure the playground remains a cherished asset for years to come, promoting wellbeing, inclusion, and play.

Local Priority: - Improvements to outdoor play and recreation incorporating parks, green spaces and school playgrounds

These building works are necessary to ensure the Centre is welcoming, inclusive, and functional for a wide range of activities. This will allow us to deliver high-quality provision for the local community, particularly those experiencing disadvantage, poor health, and social isolation. Maryfield contains some of the most deprived areas in Dundee. Residents face real barriers to accessing affordable health and wellbeing support. The Kanzen for Life Centre will respond directly to these challenges by providing a safe and inclusive space where individuals and families can engage in physical activity, social interaction, and personal development. The project supports key local priorities by helping to reduce health inequalities, promote community connection, and create a sense of belonging. The Centre will host activities for older adults, young people, and families, with a focus on those most in need. Programming will include free-to-access wellbeing sessions, inclusive physical activity, leadership development, and peer support groups. The development of the building has been informed by local consultation and shaped in collaboration with residents, including young people. Feedback shows there is strong demand for a consistent, high-quality indoor space that enables year-round activities and supports physical and mental wellbeing.

This capital project will help us complete essential works including: internal building improvements, accessibility adaptations, flooring and heating upgrades, energy-efficient lighting, and safe storage.

We would like to highlight the strong community demand and deep organisational commitment behind this application. Our work is community-led, with programmes shaped by local needs and delivered in partnership with trusted organisations. We are proud to have the support of key partners, including NHS Tayside and the NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation. The project has the solid support of the Stobswell Forum also. This project is so significant to the Stobswell and Maryfield community, we think it is worth strong consideration. Kanzen for Life is a Living Wage employer and we will be creating 10 new jobs within the centre.

Local Priorities:  Improvements to outdoor play and recreation incorporating parks, green spaces and school playgrounds

The project will put three pieces of outdoor play equipment into the school playground with a bark surface. This will enable all the children in school(480 approx.) the opportunity to participate in large-scale play to develop their gross motor skills. It would also be available to the before and after school clubs, holiday clubs and the wider public. This will be an improvement to a currently bare piece of ground.

The design is based on the discussions which took place with the pupil council over a period of a school year. These class reps then took the ideas back to their classes so all children could have an input. The after school club's comment was "anything is better than the nothing we have at present"

We have a garden at school which is not used, and we want to develop this as a play space with a teepee/shelter with bright cushions, an outdoor area with stepping stones, and other play equipment, seating areas, colourful and inviting art and interactive stations on the wall and fence, garden and planting area for flowers and vegetables. This will allow more physical activity, be a safe and inviting space and for well-being and regulation. The garden needs cleared and developed to make it a space which is accessible to all. Some support for learning pupils- due to their specific needs cannot use Baxter Park as an outdoor space as we have done in the past. There are currently three pupils with significant additional support needs, but there are more pupils coming over the next few years, so there is a long-term need to develop this area. 

The area will be accessed mostly by the Support for learning department and by much a wider group of pupils within the school, in science and for pupils taking personal development awards. After speaking with the science department, and some pupils they said they will use it to study different plants and animals. SFL Pupils have looked at the area and through consultation with them have decided on what they would like, their feedback was that the garden needed tidied up and they would like some more things to play with, a nicer place to sit and more things to do. Mr McBain the Head Teacher and I have both attended community meetings in Arthurstone library, for the consultation. 907 school pupils or young people took part in the online survey which was open to all young people in Maryfield as part of the Neighbourhood Captial Grant process and undertaken by Dundee City Council's Community Empowerment Team in Maryfield. All schools in the area took part and a large majority of respondents were school pupils. The results are as follows and clearly evidences the wish for a better school playgrounds, more seating, and outdoor learning spaces- all of which this project would provide at Morgan Academy. This clearly shows the project is supported by school pupils, and young people within the local area.

Funds would be used to buy a wooden shelter, wobble bridge, benches, planters, cushions, plants, sensory toys, cost for construction and installation cost of clearing some of the garden, - Additional sheet sent with the break down of costs.

Students from D&A college garden department to be contacted to help with gardening. Community payback contacted to possibly clear the garden. Senior pupils in school can help with the garden, clear up and maintenance. Staff and pupils will be involved in the planning and location of equipment.

The grant will be used to create safe and inclusive play areas in our playground. We are aiming to develop 3 separate spaces which would allow increased opportunities for physical activity as well as creating spaces for creative, social and learning activities. Area 1 - ASN provision We are looking to develop the space by installing a rubber floor to replace the current concrete flooring. This area will be available to specific children who find the larger playground overwhelming. This safe and enclosed space will allow for greater opportunities for the pupils to participate in outdoor activities at playtime, lunchtime and during their class learning. At the moment the concrete limits the opportunities we can offer our most vulnerable pupils due to the risk of injury. In this area we would also like to purchase freestanding equipment including a trim trail and outdoor library/reading space.* Area 2 - P1 and P2 Developing the area outside of the P1 and P2 classrooms would allow for daily opportunities for creative and social play. The space would be developed along similar lines of the ASN space with rubber flooring and freestanding equipment*. In this area we would look to purchase equipment with a focus on creative and imaginative play, this would include a mud kitchen, outdoor sand pit and a story teller area. Area 3 - P3 Classrooms Again we would like to develop this into a safe and inclusive play area that can be accessed throughout the day. The rubber flooring would allow for increased opportunities for outdoor learning and social play. In this area we would purchase Dens, Huts and Hideaways* with the view of creating a forest school area. * We would like to purchase the free standing equipment for the spaces as this would allow us to rotate the equipment between the 3 areas. This would mean the children accessing each area would have access to a variety of context areas throughout the year.

We have engaged with our pupils and parents to gather feedback on how we can improve our school. A consistent area of improvement has been identified as our outdoor spaces, particularly for our younger pupils. We have used this feedback to form the basis of our application. Steven Rice has also visited other schools to view their outdoor spaces and how they are used to increase opportunities such as increasing sport and exercise and increasing social, learning and creative play.

Our school is situated within an area identified as one of the top 5% most deprived. The area faces many challenges which impact on our pupils, this has led to a lower than average level of attainment and attendance. We believe that developing our outdoor spaces can not only meet the identified targets but can also act as lever to encourage our pupils to attend. The increased opportunities for play, sport and exercise and outdoor learning have been identified by our pupils and we would appreciate your support in meeting this need.

Local Priority: Improve accessibility and safety to community buildings

Upgrade of community centre toilets. The centre was opened in 2008 and the toilets have not been upgraded since then. This project would allow the centre to have modern toilet facilities that would benefit everyone using the centre. The community centre encouraged use by other projects and workers from health, education, welfare and many others to provide support for local people and having modernised toilets will make for a more comfortable environment for them. The community centre has regular weekly groups for people of all ages and during school holiday periods and christmas celebration events the number of people using the building and toilets increases hugely. We also have two community cafes that provide free melas and support and information for local households. These visitors would benefit from modern toilet facilities being installed.

The community centre is managed by local volunteers and they speak with local people and centre users to get their views on the centre and how things can be improved for them. The need for toilet upgrade has been mentioned by some of the older people using the facilities and the youth workers have shared that the current toilets are no longer 100% suitable for the young people using them due to signs of damp.

Costs

Removal of existing WCs / Urinals & basin unit/shelf. Supply and install new WCs in female and male toilets and disabled WC in separate disabled toilet area. Supply and install new worktop for new basins. Supply and install new basin mixer taps with. Supply and install 2 new urinals with automatic flush system. Supply and install new wet wall splash back to replace tiles. Supply and install new fold down baby changing unit. Test installation (s)

Local Priority: Urban improvements incorporating environmental seating and shelters

The DISC Target Project is the largest and longest running Evening Diversionary Project in the City of Dundee . It has been running for 23 years . It runs 50 weeks per year , 2-3 evenings per week , and attracts more than 200 Young People though its doors every week. It provides Young people aged 11-19,with a safe , healthy , free and inclusive Diversion activities from Risk taking behaviour , and specifically targets the City's most vulnerable Groups most affected by child poverty . It pro actively targets LAC young people , young carers , young people who don't attend school, young people involved in ASB , unaccompanied child Asylum seekers or refugees or who are experiencing Trauma and mental health problems . Over 70% of the young people attending live within the City's most poverty effected streets and areas. The Project is run outside late at night and provides free food , warm blankets , football boots and warm clothing as a direct response to the food and heat poverty that these kids are experiencing . However they are open to the elements and are often cold , wet unable to stay dry whilst receiving support. OUR PROPOSAL -is that we buy a covered seated enclosure where young people can access our provision all year round but stay warm and dry whilst provided with support , food , warmth and vital support .This will keep our most vulnerable young people safely Diverted with benefits to the whole community . The seated enclosure will be available to all DISC service users 7 days per week (e.g. parents , Morgan pupils during PE lessons and all clubs accessing their local sports centre , thus improving community life and facilities for all . Expected Outcomes: • Increase and improve participants lives accessing learning opportunities facilitated and managed by by Dundee City Council CLD Youth Work (CLD Disc Target Project). • Decrease anti-social behaviour incidents in the community. • Increase number of individuals and groups accessing facilities at DISC. • Improve local Maryfield facilities available for sport and recreation. The outcomes will contribute to the local priority of Improvements to outdoor play and recreation incorporating parks, green spaces and school playgrounds. The contributing factors will be improvement to the number of individuals accessing sport and recreation learning opportunities facilitated by Leisure & Culture and Dundee City Youth Work provision. This will have a positive influence on the strategic priorities outlined in the City Plan for Dundee 2022-32. With young people being able to access quality sport facilities with no cost helps REDUCE child poverty and inequalities in incomes, education & health.

In the last 6 months , over 250 local young people were consulted in a number of occasions about what would make their community better and what could improve areas of their life . Many of the young people consulted came from areas most effected by poverty.  Access to warmth was important especially in winter months and their access to food at nights was also apriority . Almost all of the young people consulted said that the access to the DISC Target Project was very important to them but because it was outdoors they were cold and wet from the rain and elements. Often they only had one warm jacket which if wet would have to be worn to school the next day . THE SHELTER that we are proposing will seat 50 and will include an area where we can provide warm snacks , shelter and vital support and Diversion from harm.

There has been widespread support from the local community for this improvement in local facilities. It is an example of partners ,local people and service providers coming together to identify potential improvements , but a commitment given to managing , maximising use and maintaining this new facility which has anti poverty outcomes as its core outcomes.  

When it rains, they do not have warm clothing to allow them to take part and often go home cold and hungry. This Youth Shelter would help us reduce the effects of poverty for many local young people,

The outdoor space at the Finmill Centre needs updates to improve safety, especially for children and those with mobility issues. To make the area safe, welcoming, and accessible, it needs seating, sensory equipment, planting, safe play equipment, fencing, and new surfaces. Currently, the tarmac surface with small stones is unsafe for children, toddlers, and people with mobility issues. Although there is a ramp, it leads to rough surfacing, which is unsuitable. The area lacks welcoming spaces for the community to sit, chat, or play. The Finmill cafes exist, but outdoor areas with safe seating are inaccessible for people. The local priority indicates a desire for such amenities. Children's groups could use the space for outdoor play, enhancing learning in nature. This enclosed play area would offer safe spaces for all children, including those with additional needs. Families can spend time together outdoors without safety concerns. Adults can enjoy the café and outdoor seating, improving mental health and wellbeing. The outdoor space will encourage community interaction and connections. These improvements align with local priorities and promote greater community engagement.

A local community survey revealed a desire for a safe and welcoming outdoor space at the Finmill Centre, suitable for families. The local playgroup and youth and family groups reported safety concerns, indicating the urgent need for improvements. The playgroup has deemed the current surfacing unsuitable for young children to play on, or use bikes, scooters, or prams. Children with ASN would benefit from a sensory area with equipment that aids their development. The family group which supports parents with children with additional support in many areas, have expressed they would like a nature-connected area with a sensory garden and safe play zones. Such an environment is crucial for children's development, fostering expression and creativity. The survey indicated that a safe, welcoming outdoor space would enhance community engagement and encourage its use.

The outdoor area should be a safe and welcoming space for everyone to use, from young children to adults. It should be a space to be creative, encourage curiosity particularly amongst children and promote wellbeing. A sensory space for all to use and enjoy, building positive relationships across the ages and throughout the community.

Funds would be used to pay for mud kitchen, play panel, balance block, seating, picnic table accessible, picnic table recycled plastic, sensory mirror leaves, sensory flower mirrors, sensory planting, Buddy bench, resurfacing, bins