H&F sets out it’s Green Investment success

Hammersmith & Fulham has become the first UK borough to raise £5 million for local green projects through its Green Investment scheme, launched in November 2023.

The council says the milestone is a major success for both environmental improvement and financial efficiency, with residents and investors helping fund work that makes the borough cleaner, greener and better prepared for climate change.

Cllr Rowan Ree described the achievement as a landmark moment, saying the scheme has transformed streets, restored nature and supported a stronger, safer and kinder borough. He also said the initiative proves that environmental goals and sound finances can go hand in hand.

The money raised has already supported a range of projects across H&F. In Fulham, Eelbrook Common has been turned from hard surface into a green oasis with a wildflower meadow, while Purcell Crescent, Manbre Road and Broomhouse Lane/Hurlingham Road have all received new planting, trees and rain gardens. In Hammersmith, King Street now has award-winning rain gardens to reduce flood risk, Ravenscourt Park’s wildlife pond has been restored and expanded, and Frank Banfield Park has gained a new community garden.

Other completed work includes green spaces at Edith Road in West Kensington, where unused road space now helps absorb rainfall and cool the area. In Shepherds Bush, Westville Road has been transformed into a pocket park with rain gardens designed with input from local schoolchildren. New downpipe planters at several primary schools also capture rainwater from roofs and add to the borough’s natural flood defences.

The investment period has now closed, but more projects are still being delivered, some partly funded by the scheme. Investors will continue to receive fixed returns, and people who missed out can still buy shares on the Abundance marketplace if existing investors choose to sell.