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LONDON: A derelict cinema, local pubs and a rugby club are among 52 community assets which will be revived thanks to almost £13 million of Government levelling up funding, according to a press release from UK’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
On June 30, the department announced the latest allocations from the second round of the £150 million Community Ownership Fund.
The funding will help community groups take ownership of local institutions that have fallen into disrepair or are under threat of closure and give them a new lease of life.
Sense of belonging
“This cash will help to revive the vital community spaces which give people a sense of belonging and pride in their communities and allow them to thrive,” stated Michael Gove, Secretary of State for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
“We want people across the country to have great opportunities no matter where they live. Ensuring that they can continue to benefit from treasured local institutions is an important part of this,” he shared in a written statement.
Among projects included are the restoration of the Paignton Picture House in Devon and the creation of a new live music venue at the historic Crown pub in Birmingham. The cinema hall is reported to have been frequented by detective novelist Agatha Christie.
Rugby union club
It will also help rugby union club Blackheath FC in London to buy their ground and facilities for the first time in their 165- year history.
Recent changes to the fund now mean that the amount of funding all projects can bid for has increased from £250,000 to £1 million. This is making it easier than ever for community groups to seize back control of prized local assets that are at risk of being lost forever.
The Community Ownership Fund has now delivered £36.8m investment for a total of 150 projects across the UK, including £3m for Northern Ireland, £5.2m for Scotland, £3.2m for Wales and £25.5m for England.
