Bids to secure funding to help save valuable community assets from being closed, sold or falling into disrepair are being encouraged by MP Bob Seely.
The Island’s MP said the government’s £150 million Community Ownership Fund could help to save some community assets if community groups and town, parish and community councils apply.
The fund can be used to protect assets such as community centres, cinemas and theatres, galleries, museums, music venues, parks, post office buildings, pubs, shops and sporting and leisure facilities.
Mr Seely said: “The Community Ownership Fund has been supporting community groups across the country to take ownership of assets and amenities at risk of being lost for good. I want to see if we can take advantage of it on the Island.
“What is different from previous rounds is that now town, parish and community councils will also be able to apply and the amount of funding available for individual projects is increasing from £250,000 to £1 million, plus the matched funding percentage is increasing to 80 per cent as well.
“I’m encouraging eligible organisations on the Island to consider the potential of this fund and submit bids where feasible to help save, and unlock the potential of, some of our community assets.”
So far around £24 million has been committed to support almost 100 projects across the UK helping to protect community centres, heritage buildings, pubs, and sporting facilities.
Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove said: “Whether it’s the pub on the high street that’s facing closure, a village shop or a local sports team that might lose its ground, the Fund offers a great opportunity for local groups to take them over and to run them as businesses – by the community, for the community.”
Round three of the fund will open on 31 May 2023 and will close at 11:59am (midday) on 12 July 2023. There will be four bidding windows each year at regular intervals until March 2025. Expressions of interest to confirm whether project proposals are likely to be eligible for funding can be submitted now.
More details can be found here.
