Community organisations are to receive up to £3.5 million helping them to purchase and refurbish existing properties for the benefit of their local communities, Local Government Minister Barbara Follett announced today, Thursday, 4 March.
The projects from Exeter, Sheffield, Leominster and Newbiggin in Cumbria will share part of the Government’s Communitybuilders £70 million fund – set up by Communities and Local Government and the Office of the Third Sector. Among today’s successful projects are:
* Exeter Community Centre Trust (ECCT) will receive £1.26 million so they can create a community centre providing health and well-being services to the residents of St David’s ward.
* Sheffield-based Burton Street Foundation provides educational services for adults with learning disabilities as well as supporting a range of community engagement and social enterprise activities. It will receive £1.12 million that will help with the refurbishment and redevelopment of their existing buildings, bringing more space and creating improved community areas.
* Herefordshire-based Leominster Regeneration Company (LARC) will receive £1.03 million to take over and refurbish Grange Court so it can be used by third sector housing organisations and the community.
* A £50,000 investment will be provided to Newbiggin Village Hall in Cumbria. The charitable trust aims to rebuild the village hall and provide facilities to support retail and arts activities for the village and surrounding hamlets.
