Nine months after it launched the Better Buildings for Butetown grant scheme is already making a huge impact to the community – helping organisations transform community facilities and bringing a new lease of life to the area.
Butetown is home to many organisations which offer valuable services to a diverse population. The Better Buildings grant scheme, funded through the European Regional Development Fund and the Welsh Government, and run by Cardiff Council is making a real difference.
Since its launch in January ten organisations, including MENFA , Butetown History and Arts Centre, Noor El Islam Mosqu, Butetown Education Arts and Training Centre have been awarded grants.
Executive Member for Communities, Housing and Social Justice, Cllr Judith Woodman said ‘The Better Buildings for Butetown grant scheme has been very successful and has given support to organisations which have found it difficult to secure funding in the past.
“Local groups are now able to provide better services and activities which benefit the whole community of Butetown”
Three orgainsations who have already completed work and the improvements are making a difference.
The Yemeni Community Centre at Alice Street who were awarded £50,000 has been transformed, with improvements throughout the building, including new floors, ceiling and doors, as well as external works.
Samira Shaddad, the Youth and Community Education director from the Centre said “The grant has made a huge difference to the lives of the local community. We currently have over 100 young people and over 65 adults who now access the centre, with new projects developing and numbers increasing”.
The Women’s Workshop on James Street has had new double glazing throughout the building as well as work to bring some rooms back into use thanks a £16,761 grant from the Better Building scheme. Director Laura Davies said “It was great to have the work done; a local social enterprise Zolibeau is now using the room. They will be up-cycling a range of clothes with the help of some local teenagers to display at a fashion show. Without the grant we would just not have been able to accommodate them.”
The Greek Cypriot Association Community Hall in North Church Street were awarded £47,471.00 to extended the property to host functions. Trustee Michael Michael said “The grant scheme has helped the Greek Cypriot Association of Wales at a time when work was needed to host other community groups using our centre. The work done was of a high standard and Cardiff County Council staffs were fantastic”
For more information on ‘Butetown Regeneration scheme’ visit butetownconnected.org.uk
