Scotland is set to retain six critical community assets, including youth hubs, cinemas, and sports clubs, thanks to a £3.8 million investment announced by the UK Government today.
The funding, provided by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities’ Community Ownership Fund, ensures the preservation of these beloved establishments for future generations. This initiative not only safeguards these community spaces but also contributes to local economies, aligning with the government's broader mission to stimulate economic growth.
Across the United Kingdom, the Department has allocated £33.5 million today to rescue over 80 projects in communities nationwide.
In Scotland, the projects receiving funding include:
1. Crookfur House: Transformation of facilities in East Renfrewshire into a community hub tailored to the needs of its residents, featuring a new café, community spaces, and support staff offices.
2. Filmhouse: Revival of a sustainable cinema in Edinburgh, promising accessibility to a diverse range of films and hosting film festivals for local residents and visitors.
3. Penicuik Youth Hub: Conversion of a community center in Midlothian into a "Youth Hub for excellence," offering dedicated spaces for youth activities in sports and performing arts.
4.Castlemilk Community Football Trust: Development of high-quality sporting facilities in Glasgow to promote community engagement in football and grassroots sports, alongside fitness classes and social events.
Minister for Levelling Up, Jacob Young, emphasized the importance of these community assets, highlighting their significance as vital lifelines and the heart of towns, cities, and villages.
UK Government Minister for Scotland, Donald Cameron, commended the six Scottish projects receiving funding, acknowledging their importance in preserving local assets. He encouraged other community groups in Scotland to explore eligibility for future funding opportunities.
Among the recipients, the Edinburgh Filmhouse, which closed in 2022, will receive £1.5 million for refurbishment, enabling its reopening and showcasing the best new films from around the world.
Ginnie Atkinson, Director of Filmhouse Edinburgh, expressed delight at the successful bid, envisioning a fully refurbished cinema venue that meets modern audience expectations and enhances cultural programming.
Since its inception, the Community Ownership Fund has allocated over £103 million to rescue 333 projects. In this round, Scottish projects will receive £3.8 million, contributing to the total £17 million awarded to 47 projects in Scotland so far.
The next and final round of the Community Ownership Fund, Round 4, will commence with two bidding windows. Round 4 Window 1 opens on March 25, 2024, and closes on April 10, 2024, providing the last opportunity for communities to secure funding for their projects. Photo by Sandy Gemmill, Wikimedia commons.
