Funding delivers upgrades to 11 community buildings in York
The impact of funding to safeguard the future of community spaces in York’s outer wards was highlighted at a celebration held last Friday (28 March) in Bishopthorpe.
In partnership with Community First Yorkshire, City of York Council has supported 11 venues through the Community Buildings Fund, worth a total £133,059. The programme has also benefited from additional funds from the Decarbonisation Programme.
The grants have helped community buildings improve energy efficiency and insulation, upgrade broadband and Wi-Fi provision and install hearing loops and other accessibility measures, as well as supporting general improvements and refurbishments.
These projects will make the buildings more accessible for a wider range of people, improve their facilities, meaning that venues can expand their offer of activities and events, reduce carbon emissions, and reduce running costs, which in turn will make activities using the space more affordable for all.
Hessay Chapel was awarded a grant of £14,132 to enhance its facilities through the installation of energy-efficient heaters, photovoltaic (PV) panels, LED lighting, and a replacement window, improving both sustainability and comfort for the community.
Kathryn Wright from Hessay Chapel said:
“The work that has been completed is an incredible achievement for Hessay, we have engaged with the community who are looking forward to helping with some voluntary cosmetic work as the weather improves. We are excited to see greater use of the building with the ongoing improvements.”
Cllr Pete Kilbane, Executive Member for Economy and Culture at City of York Council, said:
“Community venues like village halls are so much more than just buildings – they are a lifeline for communities. These spaces play a vital role in reducing social isolation, connecting people to key services and helping people of all ages lead healthier, happier lives.
“That’s why I’m so proud to see that by providing grants to help future-proof community venues – whether that’s through installing new energy-efficient infrastructure or upgrading digital connectivity, this funding will help safeguard these spaces for years to come, ensuring that local residents can continue to enjoy all of the benefits they offer.”
The celebration event was held at St Andrew’s Church Hall in Bishopthorpe, one of the buildings to benefit from the programme through installing solar panels to reduce their carbon impact and cut running costs.
Watch representatives from some of the village halls explain the impact for their communities here: https://youtu.be/iL0UGPeoHJw?si=UOTM_zMw5B7ChoDo
The Rural England Prosperity Fund is part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus