- The Conservative Government are committed to empowering local people, helping communities to purchase communal assets like pubs, clubs and sports grounds as we level up every corner of the UK.
- That is why this Conservative Government has announced the next round of funding for communities through the £150 million Community Ownership Fund – so communities can purchase much loved local facilities and secure a brighter future for their area.
- The Conservative Government is taking the right long-term decisions to support communities in securing important facilities including sports grounds and pubs which play a vital role in our towns and high streets.
James Daly MP has welcomed new funding from the Conservative Government for Ramsbottom Co-op Hall who will receive £296,000 from the expanded £150 million Community Ownership Fund.
Ramsbottom Co-op Hall was built in 1876 and includes an impressive music hall with a gallery on three sides above the shops on Bolton Street. It was used for a range of things from entertainment to temperance services and guild meetings before being used as an army training centre during World War Two. Despite its prominent location in the centre of Ramsbottom, the building has not been used since 1944.
The Conservative Government’s Community Ownership Fund is allowing community groups in Bury to take ownership of assets and amenities at risk of being lost, enabling them to run these assets for their community, safeguarding town centres and high streets as we grow the economy.
Thanks to this scheme, over 70 community treasures including historic theatres, pubs and museums will be protected with £25 million Conservative Government funding, with successful community projects receiving up to £2 million for the first time, and three heritage theatres winning the top awards.
This funding will ensure local people continue to reap the benefits of their valued community assets, preserving them for future generations and securing a brighter future for their area. Museums, pubs, parks and cinemas across the country, including Ramsbottom Co-op Hall will be kept alive through the £25 million funding package announced today.
Through the scheme, voluntary and community groups can bid for funding to acquire important assets, including pubs, so they invest in the long-term future of their area and run amenities for the good of the community.
This is just the latest round of funding as the Conservative Government continues to deliver on its long-term levelling up agenda, spreading opportunities and prosperity across the country, whilst also delivering on its five priorities to halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists and stop the boats.
Commenting, James Daly MP said:
“I am delighted that the Conservative Government has awarded Ramsbottom Co-op Hall £296,000 of funding through the fantastic Community Ownership Fund, securing the long-term future of this vital asset in our community.
“Having been inside this incredible historic building it is a really important link to the history of Ramsbottom and the surrounding area. Not only that but with the central location and vast potential, the restoration of this building could have a transformational impact on Ramsbottom.
“I would like to thank Stephen, Matt and everyone involved with this brilliant project.”
Commenting, Levelling Up Secretary, Michael Gove MP said:
“Investing in communities improves lives – whether that’s rebuilding a community centre, rescuing historic pubs and theatres or upgrading sports facilities used by families every day.
“These are unique and cherished places, valued by local people of all ages, and we know how much they mean to communities. The Community Ownership Fund is about restoring pride in the places people call home and I’m delighted to be funding these projects”
Commenting, Minister for Levelling Up, Jacob Young MP said:
“We’ve had exceptionally high-quality bids from every part of the UK and I’m delighted we’ll be giving projects up to £2 million each for the first time ever, helping communities feel the full benefits of this transformative fund.
“We know this funding has the power to bring about meaningful change to local people, protecting their community spaces used by so many and our funding of almost £25 million to over 70 of these will help secure their futures.”
