Village hub hopes get £250k funding boost
GOVERNMENT GIVES MONEY FOR
A VILLAGE’s dream of a new community centre and cafe is one step closer to becoming a reality thanks to a £250,000 grant from a government fund.
Thurnby received the support from the Community Ownership Fund, a Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government pot for the protection of “valued community assets”.
The money will be used to top up the £720,000 already raised by the community and the church for a £1 million project to turn the unused pavilion next to Manor Park into a “warm, friendly cafe and community space”. The Hub Community Centre and Cafe will also offer a range of support services.
These could include a memory cafe for elderly residents, financial advice, bereavement support groups and parenting classes.
The Rev Rob Miles, rector of St Luke’s Church, and others have been pushing for the project for several years.
He said the grant was a pleasant surprise and he is excited to see the hub take shape.
“I am of course delighted we have been awarded this grant for the hub project through the Community Ownership Fund,” Mr Miles said.
“The great news is that this injection of funding will go a long way towards the realisation of the Hub
Community Centre and Cafe project.
“The vision for the hub from the beginning has been to create an outreach centre and cafe for the benefit of the whole community, as part of the desire of St Luke’s Church to reach out and serve the needs of those around us and to partner with others in offering support and help in practical ways to those who need it.
“This is particularly important in an area on the border between city and county, with relatively little in the way of service provision and community meeting places.”
Mr Miles said community support for the project had been very positive and many of the ideas came from parishioners who often ask him when the centre will open.
He said: “I would like to acknowledge both Harborough District Council and also our MP, Alicia Kearns, who have given their support and help to obtain this vital funding for our community.”
Council leader Phillip King said: “We’re delighted for Manor Fields’ community cafe and hub project to protect and enhance valued community assets, following a decision by Harborough District Council last year to lease the council-owned building to St Luke’s Parochial Church Council.”
Subject to planning approval and the remaining funds being found, work on the project could begin next year.