A project to return a derelict building to use for the benefit of the whole community has been successful in gaining funding from the new Cardiff Neighbourhood Fund.
The fund has been created for third sector, community groups and public sector organisations working in partnership to address local priorities in the six Neighbourhood Partnership areas in the city.
A total of £35,000 is available in each of the six areas and following the first phase of funding, Old Illtydians RFC has been successful in applying for £4,000 as part of a project to transform the Old Library in Splott into South Splott Sport and Community Hub.
Following the asset transfer of the building by the Council, Old Illtydians are working in partnership with Communities First, Cardiff Third Sector Council, Moorland Primary School, Ysgol Glan Morfa, South Wales Police, Sport Wales and other partners to repair, renovate and refurbish the dilapidated building to provide a venue for a wide range of community activities such as homework clubs, ESOL classes, fitness clubs and music lessons.
The neighbourhood partnership funding will be used to buy equipment for the facility which is expected to open in September this year.
Cabinet Member for Community Development, Co-operatives and Social Enterprise, Cllr Peter Bradbury, said: “It’s great to see organisations like Old Illtydians coming forward and applying for Neighbourhood Partnership funding to deliver a facility that will make a real difference in the local community. Their project is a great example of partnership working.
“The Council has created this funding for people who can deliver local solutions to local issues and we are now eager to hear from more community groups and organisations who have innovative ideas for improving their local areas and contributing to the community.”
The second round of applications for Neighbourhood Partnership funding is now open. Projects must seek to address local priorities, help deliver the Neighbourhood Action Plan and have local benefits for communities as well as encouraging community participation.
The six Neighbourhood Partnership areas are Cardiff North, Cardiff East, Cardiff South East, Cardiff City and South, Cardiff South West and Cardiff West.
Funding will be awarded in the range of £250 to £2,500 although in exceptional circumstances, amounts up to a maximum of £5,000 may be considered. Projects need to be ‘sponsored’ by a local elected member from the ward in which the project will be delivered.
The closing date for applications is Monday, July 14 and further details on the fund and eligibility criteria are available on the Cardiff Partnership’s website at www.cardiffpartnership.co.uk or by emailing [email protected].
