£2.2m of Levelling Up fund secured for community projects

Eight community projects, including a boxing club, a historic pub and a farm, are set to benefit from more than £2.2m of government Levelling Up funding.

The grants will go towards revitalising the venues at risk of being lost, turning them into community hubs for local people.

The projects are part of the government’s £150m Levelling Up package in a drive to boost local communities and businesses and build local economies.

Minister for Levelling Up, the Union and Constitution, Neil O’Brien MP said: ‘From bringing historic buildings back to life in Ramsgate to creating a community farm in the centre of Bristol, the Community Ownership Fund enables local people to take on projects that benefit their communities and save venues that would otherwise be lost forever.

‘Through this fund we are empowering local people, restoring their pride in the places where they live and levelling up communities across the United Kingdom.’

One project includes Oldham’s Victoria House, originally built in 1874, which is set to be transformed from a run-down hall into a boxing and personal development centre.

The hall, which would have been forced to move without funding, will now offer support for young people and fitness opportunities.

Grade-II listed building Granville House in Ramsgate will also benefit from the fund, as the building, originally designed by English architect EW Pugin, will be restored to protect Kent’s heritage.

Money will go towards renovating the bar and restaurant and creating a new space for local artists, start-ups and businesses.

One of London’s oldest pubs founded in 1415, the Old Red Lion theatre pub, will also receive a grant to relaunch an arts venue and space for community work.

Other beneficiaries of the funding include a Yorkshire community taking over Countryman’s Inn pub, the Oxford Arms Pub to build a community hub and Bristol’s Hartcliffe City Farm for the regeneration of 30 acres of land.

A historic church in Somerset will also receive money to provide a community arts and social centre and St Columb’s Hall in Derry-Londonderry will be transformed into a community centre.

Photo by Patrick Tomasso