Two play areas are being revamped with help from money contributed by property developers.

The Foxcroft playground in the city’s Cunningham ward is to undergo extensive renovations, as is Victoria Playing Fields off Folly Lane.

Both projects are being financed in part by Section 106 planning contributions. These payments are made in recognition that an increase in population caused by new homes leads to a rising demand for community infrastructure.

Four other playgrounds have recently been modernised and upgraded with backing from S106 cash: Long Acres, Holyrood Crescent and Greenwood Park in St Albans, and Westfield in Harpenden.

St Albans City Council is holding in excess of £1.3m in S106 funding of which more than £1m is committed to public projects.

Among the schemes that will be supported is the transformation of the town hall into a new museum and art gallery. There will also be a contribution to the creation of a new leisure centre in Harpenden.

Decisions are yet to be taken over the allocation of S106 sums in several of the council’s 15 wards. St Peters still has £122,000 to spend, London Colney has almost £80,000 and Redbourn has £21,000.

Council officers are working with both district and parish councillors for those wards to identify suitable community projects.

Councillor Daniel Chichester-Miles, responsible for environment, said: “It is very pleasing that S106 money will soon have improved no fewer than six of the district’s play areas.

“It is also contributing to flagship projects that will benefit the district as a whole, such as the creation of a new museum in the heart of the city.

“We’re determined make the best possible use of this S106 money and that means listening to councillors in the wards concerned. They know their local area and what is needed.

“We are meeting with ward, town and parish councillors to let them know what is available, and to listen to their ideas for improving their communities.”