Community Connectors project helps more than 1,000 people and counting across Renfrewshire (Case study inc.)
December 24, 2018Festive events bring winter warmth to Renfrewshire
December 24, 2018
Communities across Renfrewshire are being urged to submit their applications for the Community Empowerment Fund before the next deadline of 16 January 2019.
Hand over of Johnstone Police station to community groups 20.8.18
The £1.5million fund is open to all community groups who want to take over ownership and running of a building or piece or land in their local area.
The fund is designed to assist local people to develop a Business Plan for the takeover of the asset, support the person or group to have the skills and capacity to manage and develop it, and provide the upfront capital investment in an asset.
Councillor Marie McGurk, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Communities Housing and Planning Policy Board, said: “When the New Year begins, people are always keen for new beginnings and full of ideas on how to make their lives better.
Hand over of Johnstone Police station to community groups 20.8.18
“So why not use this enthusiasm to get the project you want to develop for off the ground?
“We recognise the wealth of knowledge local people have to make our towns and villages better places to live, work and visit and the Community Empowerment Fund offers the opportunity to bring these ideas to life.”
Hand over of Johnstone Police station to community groups 20.8.18
Previous projects which have been awarded funding and support include £10,000 for Active Communities to carry out a feasibility study on the conversion of the former Johnstone Police Station into a local health hub, £20,000 to assist in the relocation of the West End Growing Grounds Association to a site on Underwood Road and £10,000 for Paisley Community Trust to develop their businesses case for the transformation of the former Arnott’s building into a cinema, arts venue and theatre.
Councillor McGurk added: “We’ve already seen some fantastic projects coming forward and receiving support which will help move them to the next level.
“The fund really is an opportunity for local people to take a key role in improving their community and shaping its future success.
“We’re here to help so the team will be able to support you to discuss the feasibility of your idea and identify how to take it forward. Get in touch and don’t miss your opportunity.”
The fund is just one of a number of ways that communities can make a difference to their local area, including joining their nearest Local Partnership and helping to shape decision making and award funding to groups in the local area.
Community groups and volunteers can also apply for the Green Spaces and Villages Investment Fund which provides funding and support to improve underused or neglected green spaces or take forward projects which will strengthen the character, identity and heritage of the local community.
To find out more, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/CommunityEmpowermentFund, call 0141 618 7408 or email communityplanning@renfrewshire.gov.uk.
