Developer’s £350k boost for community projects
A NATIONAL property developer has launched a £350,000 fund to help community projects based near its latest site.
IM Properties has set up the Mercia Park Community Fund to offer grants of up to £5,000 to projects which strengthen communities or improve the natural environment.
Mercia Park is a 238-acre employment park being created by IM Properties at Junction 11 of the M42 at Appleby Magna.
The huge scheme will include a new 2.94 million sq ft global parts logistics centre for Jaguar Land Rover and a 450,000 sq ft logistics hub for freight forwarder DSV.
It has been estimated the employment park could eventually support up to 3,400 jobs.
The community fund will be managed by Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation, and will be split over the three years as the scheme is being constructed.
It is anticipated that grants will be awarded on a six-monthly basis by a panel made up of representatives from the local parish councils, North West Leicestershire District Council,
Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation, IM Properties and Winvic Construction.
Grants of between £2,000 and £5,000 will be available for 12-month projects and £3,000 grants will be on offer to help existing community projects with their operating costs for up to three years.
Larger grants of £10,000 will be available to projects which meet specific criteria.
Applications are now open, and a series of surgeries will be held to help local community groups apply for the funding.
IM Properties planning director David Smith said: “We are committed to a programme of social value and delivering both social and economic benefits to the community.
“In the current climate, the grants may also offer a welcome boost to organisations set up to offer support as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
“The community fund, as well as the creation of a significant number of jobs at Mercia Park, alongside an employment scheme, will seek to deliver opportunity to individuals and businesses, aiming to leave a lasting legacy for everyone.”
Katy Green, chief executive at Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be working with IM Properties on the Mercia Park Community Fund and hope local community groups will take the opportunity to apply for a share of the £350,000 available.
“Full details of the criteria and how to apply for the first round of grants can be found on our website.” ■■For more information about the fund, or to apply, visit: