UK govt announces £3.8m lifeline for community spaces in Scotland

The UK Government, through the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ Community Ownership Fund, has earmarked £3.8 million for the preservation of six essential community spaces across Scotland. This strategic financial injection is set to save youth hubs, cinemas, and sports clubs, ensuring their continuity for future generations and reinforcing the foundation of local communities.

The £3.8 million funding is part of a broader initiative by the UK Government, aiming to safeguard over 80 community projects across the United Kingdom, with a total commitment of £33.5 million announced. This move underscores a steadfast commitment to fostering vibrant, sustainable community spaces that contribute significantly to local economies and align with the government’s overarching goal of economic growth.

In Scotland, the projects benefitting from this round of funding are diverse and cater to a wide array of community needs:

Crookfur House: A revitalization of facilities within a supported living estate in East Renfrewshire to establish a community hub complete with a new café, community spaces, and support staff offices.

Filmhouse: The re-opening of a beloved cinema in Edinburgh, promising to offer a sustainable venue for generations to enjoy a broad spectrum of films and film festivals.

Penicuik Youth Hub: Transformation of a Midlothian community center into a dedicated space for young people, enhancing sporting and performing arts opportunities.

Castlemilk Community Football Trust: Investment in high-quality sporting facilities in Glasgow to foster community engagement in football and other grassroots sports, alongside fitness classes and social events.

Jacob Young, Minister for Levelling Up, emphasized the integral role of these community assets as lifelines and focal points in towns, cities, and villages across the country. UK Government Minister for Scotland Donald Cameron highlighted the significance of the funding, especially noting the £1.54 million awarded to the Filmhouse in Edinburgh, which is among the six Scottish projects receiving a substantial financial boost.

Recipients of previous rounds of funding have voiced their appreciation for the support that has enabled them to progress significantly on their projects. Bailliefields Community Hub and Gordon Rural Action, among others, have shared testimonials underscoring the transformative impact of the Community Ownership Fund on their initiatives, from enhancing community spaces to promoting recycling and exercise through bike projects.

The announcement of this funding represents a pivotal moment for community projects across Scotland, offering a lifeline to vital community spaces and enabling their evolution to meet modern expectations and needs. The next and final round of the Community Ownership Fund promises further opportunities for community groups across Scotland to secure funding, reinforcing the UK Government’s dedication to levelling up communities and enriching the fabric of local life.