Rochford District Council is delighted to announce a number of successful applications to its UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) grant programme.
This funding has been allocated from the district’s share of UKSPF in a bid to level up opportunity and prosperity, build pride in our places, strengthen our communities and increase life chances.
Rochford District Council will receive a total of £1m in funding from UKSPF, over a three year period.
Earlier this year, the Council invited community organisations to apply for grants of between £5,000 and £15,000 towards projects or initiatives which, either, improved local high streets and town centres or enhanced the offer of cultural or heritage assets.
The successful applications to the grant programme were:
- Bar n Bus Trust – to run a youth outreach project in Rayleigh with a focus on providing positive opportunities for young people in local parks
- Elysium Eco Events – to introduce a regular new eco-market in Rochford with a focus on showcasing sustainable and environmentally friendly products
- Friends of St Mary The Virgin CIC – to fund a programme of work aimed at repurposing St Mary The Virgin Church in Little Wakering as a community building
- Make Your Market – to run a programme of themed community markets across the District, with a focus on providing opportunities for young traders
- Rayleigh Town Council – to fund a project to repair and repaint street furniture across Rayleigh town centre
- Rochford District Council Licensing Team – to fund a period of taxi marshalling, and the installation of new defibrillators, in Rayleigh town centre
- Show Up Productions – to operate a range of new community events as part of a ‘Rochford in Winter’ initiative
- Volunteer It Yourself CIC – to lead a community rejuvenation project for Rochford WI Hall, with a focus on providing volunteering opportunities for local disadvantaged people
- Vulcan Restoration Trust – to fund new displays and visual material at the Vulcan’s hangar at London Southend Airport
Successful applicants are currently receiving their grants to begin immediately, with all projects completed by end of March 2024. For further information please view Rochford District’s allocation for UK SPF.
Cllr Michael Hoy, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Resources, Climate Change and Economy said: "Supporting these applications is an investment in the heart and soul of our District. These initiatives will not only revitalize our high streets but also breathe new life into our community and heritage assets, weaving a progress and pride for generations to come".