A Westbury community group has secured £100,000 to help fund a new community building in the heart of the town.
The Westbury Community Project Trust, formed more than two years ago, will use the Wiltshire Council funding to take over the former youth building on Eden Vale Road and create a space to benefit people of all ages in the local community. The money has come from a special Wiltshire Council fund set up to help local communities to thrive.
The trust has a number of ideas to introduce on the site, including a community café, a men’s shed, Wiltshire College adult learning, a playgroup, a youth club, children’s centre services, a sports club, and a space available for public hire.
Chair of the trustees for the Westbury Community Project Trust, Richard Hatt said, “On behalf of the trustees I would like to thank Wiltshire Council for providing this funding to Westbury Community Project. It is really encouraging that the local authority see the potential of this project and the good it can bring to the local community
“We are really excited that, with the help of this funding, we are able to begin the refurbishment works and hopefully we can open in January 2020. There are several rooms within the project which will be available for hire ,so I would encourage any community groups, businesses or individuals who are interested in using these spaces for activities to get in touch as soon as possible. ”
If people want more information or have any enquires they should email head@westbury-jun.wilts.sch.uk.
Cllr Philip Whitehead, leader of Wiltshire Council said, “The Westbury Community Project Trust has some exciting plans for the future, which will have real benefit to the local community. Wiltshire Council has supported this project by providing funding, guidance and advice and of course, through the asset transfer of the building. The fact the trust plan to provide services for so many different people, made our decision to support this project an easy one.
“We look forward to seeing their vision become a reality.”
At a recent cabinet meeting, Wiltshire Council leaders agreed to make funding available to community areas which did not receive investment under the campus programme.
The application process will encourage residents to join with businesses and organisations to apply for funding for facility projects that deliver community benefits. Advice and support will be offered during the application process which will formally be launched in early 2020. A menu of tools and expertise will also be available to organisations that successfully apply for funding, to help ensure they are able to deliver effective projects.
