Nearly £15m will fund vital initiatives across Shropshire

In 2023 the UK Shared Prosperity Team at Shropshire Council successfully secured nearly £15m to fund vital projects across Shropshire.

The money was provided as part of the Government’s Levelling Up agenda, with three key investment priorities: Community and Place, Supporting Local Business and People and Skills. Its overall objective is to build ‘pride in place’ and increase life chances.

In Shropshire the funding is being used to kickstart and/or support a number of exciting initiatives across the county.

From nearly 200 applications to date, and following a rigorous assessment process, the team have identified 37 projects that already have received, or will receive, funding during early 2024.

Gary Spence, Shropshire Council’s external funding and technical lead officer in the business growth and investment team, said: “We received a great number of excellent applications and some terrific project ideas. We have been able to work with existing partners, but also to develop new partnerships and work with some truly inspiring and entrepreneurial organisations. We are very excited about the initiatives that are currently being rolled out.”

The successful projects have proved diverse and varied. They range from the creation and improvement of community facilities in a number of Shropshire’s towns, to wellbeing and development projects, the creation of a crowdfunding platform for community groups, programmes supporting individuals back into work, and a focus on upskilling Shropshire’s workforce.

The funding will also support the launch of a new Capital Grant Scheme for small businesses.

Mark Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for growth and regeneration, said: “The schemes we are funding will benefit communities, individuals and businesses across the county. We know this will make a real and long-lasting contribution both to the economy and the wellbeing of our residents.”

Shrewsbury Food Hub’s community kitchen is one of the successful projects currently being contracted.

Tammy Bloodworth, the Hub manager, said: “Our community kitchen project aims to minimise food wastage by making it into delicious meals, and to benefit and support marginalised groups and individuals in our community. Through the cookery activities people can learn new skills, gain confidence, and connect together over shared food and conversation. Funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund has made this project possible. We are super happy and super grateful.”

Nearly £8m from the total funds have been allocated, and the team is currently in the contracting phase for an additional £4.9m. Just over £2m of additional funding was also secured for specifically rural projects that promote green space, active travel and small business grants.

To read about some of the projects currently being supported see : https://www.investinshropshire.co.uk/uk-shared-prosperity-projects/