North Tyneside Council Press Release – first published 2 October 2024 here.
Exciting developments are underway in the North West of the borough as several local projects receive a share of £396,039 Capital Grant funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
UKSPF was made available to any voluntary and community sector organisations, including individual resident’s groups or youth organisations that provide services in Camperdown, Weetslade and Longbenton.
Funding has now been fully awarded, and work is set to begin soon on a range of initiatives that will greatly benefit communities.
The Capital Grant fund supports established community organisations and groups to improve or enhance their premises for the benefit of the local community.
Among the standout projects are Woodlands Park Association which received £61,000, the Newcastle Cat and Dog Shelter which received £65,000, Westmoor Community Centre which received £63,000, and New Fordley Juniors which received £48,000.
- Woodlands Park Association will be using the money to replace their existing roof, refresh the kitchen in the nursery, upgrade electrics throughout and a refresh of their wood flooring in the main hall.
- The Newcastle Cat and Dog Shelter will be using the money for a new volunteer hub and a new main roof.
- Westmoor Community Centre have used their money to build a new ‘Man shed’ which will support new dads and men’s mental health, a community DIY hub with a tool sharing scheme, sustainable LED lights in their building, solar panels and new lights for their Muga pitches.
New Fordley Juniors will be using the money to upgrade their club house for wider community use, new access road to the pitches and clubhouse, and create a new viewing pavilion for match days and events.
Chris Bray, Chief Executive at Newcastle Dog and Cat shelter said: “This funding is going to make an incredible difference to the shelter. We have been in desperate need of a new roof for a number of years, we have been trying to patch it up for far too long.
“It will ensure the team of both staff and volunteers will have a warmer, water tight building to work from and it will be much more economical to heat, so important as we approach the colder months.
“The volunteers are excited about the new space they will have to take breaks, store personal belongings and mix with one another, we are currently building up our base of volunteers so this will help us on that development plan”
North Tyneside Council is partnering with North Tyneside VODA to deliver the programme, which is funded by the UK Government through the UKSPF with the North East Combined Authority as the lead authority.
With a focus on creating a sense of renewed pride, identity and connectivity in local communities, the fund aims to increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
Through UKSPF, North Tyneside Council has invested over £1M through a range of grants in the North West of the Borough. The capital, large, medium and youth funds are now closed, and all money has been allocated, but funding is still available through the small grants scheme until 31/12/24.
You can find out more at: www.voda.org.uk/ukspf-small.
