A Nottingham community centre and Nottinghamshire nature reserve will receive more than £350k from a government rescue fund. The government today (Friday, December 22) announced the two organisations would be given money from the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities' Community Ownership Fund.
The department has labelled the scheme "a funding pot rescuing community places that form the beating heart of a local community". In Nottingham, £146,524 will be granted to The Lenton Centre, a community-run venue on Willoughby Street, Lenton.
The Lenton Centre describes itself as a "vibrant social enterprise in the heart of Lenton" which provides services to the community, including a gym, swimming pool, youth groups and room hire. The government cash will be used to make urgent roof repairs and energy efficiency improvements that would help secure the long-term future of the facility.
Get the latest news straight to your phone by joining us on WhatsApp
The former slipper bath and wash house was closed by Nottingham City Council in 2004, with the venue bought the year after for £10. The Lenton Centre (TLC) says it has been gradually modernising the facilities with the help of "friendly and enthusiastic" staff and volunteers ever since.
The second allotment of funding will go to North Muskham Parish Council in the Newark and Sherwood district of Nottinghamshire. It will be given £208,000 to buy and preserve North Marsh Nature Reserve so that the local community can continue to access the green space and take part in activities such as ecologist-led field walks.
Secretary of State for Levelling Up Michael Gove said: “Investing in communities improves lives – whether that’s rebuilding a community centre, rescuing historic pubs and theatres or upgrading sports facilities used by families every day.
“These are unique and cherished places, valued by local people of all ages, and we know how much they mean to communities. The Community Ownership Fund is about restoring pride in the places people call home and I’m delighted to be funding these projects.”
