Nine schemes designed to improve community spaces across the UK are set to receive a share of £4m Lottery funding confirmed by Groundwork UK.

Funded by the Big Lottery Fund, the Community Spaces initiative will see each successful project net up to £450,000 to transform a range of green spaces throughout the country. Saltash Waterfront Residents' Association, Cornwall, is set to use its grant to improve access to the Elwell Woodlands and install a 20m (66ft) Celtic Cross.

Two schemes in Devon - the transformation of the area around Exeter Cathedral into accessible green space and the creation of a new natural play park in Paignton - have secured funding. All Saints Community Development Company will create a village square in Kings Heath, Birmingham; Dudley Canal Trust aims to revitalise a 4-mile (6.4km) stretch of canal between Dudley and Sandwell; and Friends of Tees Heritage Park in Cleveland is set to install a new trail around the site using digital technology.

Other successful schemes include the creation of a community garden with an amphitheatre and play facilities for Newcastle's Byker Centre; Halton Community Association's efforts to open up new green space; and the development of the Heeley Millennium Park in Sheffield, led by Heeley Development Trust. Groundwork UK chief executive Tony Hawkhead said: "At a time when tightened Local Authority budgets are leaving many of our parks and outdoor recreation areas facing uncertain futures, the flagship grant awards will help secure much needed green spaces that will have a big impact in their local communities."