North West Projects Secure £4.6 Million from Government Fund

The concluding £4.6 million distribution from a government grant program is poised to allow Zoe’s Place charity to establish a new baby hospice in Liverpool. This charity is among several “vital” community initiatives across the north west receiving funds from the final allocation of the government’s £150 million Community Ownership Fund. Zoe’s Place is allocated £1 million for the construction of its new hospice, with additional funds directed to other endeavors such as the refurbishment of Elmfield Hall in Accrington and the revitalization of the East Lancashire Railway. Alex Norris, the minister for local growth, stated that the grants aim to help “preserve and upgrade what these vital places offer to their communities”. Established in 2021, the fund was designed to assist communities in assuming control of local assets facing risk, and it is scheduled to conclude operations in March of the upcoming year. Zoe’s Hospice, located in Liverpool, which offers respite and end-of-life care for infants and children up to five years old, narrowly escaped closure earlier this year. The allocated funding will be dedicated to constructing a new hospice exclusively for babies. Separately, approximately £400,000 is earmarked for the refurbishment of Elmfield Hall, a Grade II listed property that served as the residence of Victorian industrialist Frederick Albert Gatty, known for his contributions to inventing new dyes. According to the project’s proponents, these funds will aid in guaranteeing the building’s continued function as a “vital community hub”. Additionally, over £1 million will be provided to volunteers of the East Lancashire Railway Trust to facilitate the restoration of High Woodhill Viaduct. This bridge, along with its arches, was constructed around 1845 and has been the focus of a fundraising initiative. The Greenacres Community Centre in Oldham plans to utilize approximately £300,000 from the grant for necessary repairs at its facility on Galland Street. Roughly £250,000 is allocated for the renovation of Mercer Hall in Great Harwood, Lancashire, a venue named in honor of scientist John Mercer, who developed the “Mercerised” cotton cloth. Hyndburn Leisure is set to receive funding to enhance its leisure facility, incorporating a spacious multi-use hall, rooms for community and wellbeing activities, toilet and changing facilities, a café and bar section, and storage areas. Concurrently, Hare Hill House, a historic Georgian residence in Littleborough now operating as a community arts center, is slated to receive £337,00 for refurbishment efforts. Prenton Rugby Club, situated in Wirral, was designated to receive £850,000 for the redevelopment of its facilities and to expand community activities. The Brick Works anti-poverty center in Wigan will be granted £274,00 to sustain its service provision. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.