Norfolk’s construction industry and community-led building projects are set to get a huge boost thanks to a new £3.5million fund from Norfolk County Council announced today (Monday 3 September).
Local community led organisations will be able to apply for a share of the new investment fund created to help with new construction schemes such as: – village hall extensions, sports facilities, play areas and other community facilities.
The aim of the Norfolk County Council Community Construction Fund is to help to turn community projects which require new construction works into reality. The Fund intends to inject economic activity within the construction sector of the Norfolk economy by hopefully employing local workers and contractors, whilst simultaneously enhancing community facilities.
One-off grants for new construction projects will be available to a wide range of community led organisations. Those eligible to apply for a share of the fund will need to be formally constituted bodies such as: – parish, town and district councils, charities, sports clubs, neighbourhood boards and churches.
Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, commented on the announcement: “The funding from Norfolk County Council will provide a real boost in the current economic climate as we are continuously hearing about how small businesses are struggling particularly in the construction sector. I very much hope that this investment fund will go some way to creating a number of sustainable projects in the county, which will also be good for the local economy and good for jobs.”
Ian Mackie, Deputy Leader of Norfolk County Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance, proposed the plan at today’s Cabinet meeting as it was reported that the council is meeting its efficiency targets for the year. Ian Mackie said: “Through continued effective management of our budget and through better, smarter working and income from our investment strategy, I am pleased to say that we have been able to allocate funding from one-off underspend. I take a very cautious approach to in-year use of underspend because of financial pressures we can encounter, but I am confident of our financial projections for 2012-2013. I believe that this investment will be a lifeline to an important sector of Norfolk’s economy whilst building capacity in Norfolk’s social infrastructure.
“Construction traditionally requires higher levels of employment and for every pound spent a further two pounds is generated from economic activity in the supply chain, often by small and medium sized businesses. This Fund is a part of a sustained and determined attempt by the county council to practically support both short and longer term economic growth in Norfolk. The county council has a considerable capital programme for 2012-13 (£135m) through its investments in schools, highways and development projects, however this Fund will further enable communities to develop facilities by enabling swift construction activity, just when the economy most needs direct support. This will be a win-win for Norfolk.
“We know from our discussions with communities across the county that this sort of investment makes a real difference to local life, and I am delighted to announce that we will be accepting applications from [date to be inserted], which means we will have approved the first round of funding decisions before Christmas.”
Ann Steward, Cabinet Member for Economic Development said: “We hope that this project will kick start more local businesses and provide new opportunities for craftsmen and women. At the same time the money will benefit local organisations enabling them to provide better facilities within their community. It further evidences the council’s role in supporting the local economy as set out in our ‘Delivering Economic Growth in Norfolk’ strategy.
“Often local residents may have ideas but there is a lack of funding for the ideas to be realised. The county council hopes to bridge that gap and inspire people to think about how they can improve where they live and create employment in the process.”
The Phoenix Pool in Bradwell, Great Yarmouth is the type of organisation the Fund hopes to support, after previously expressing an interest in gaining funding from the county council. xxx from there says: “Creating the opportunity for facilities, such as ourselves, to apply for funding is fantastic news. The building is starting to look dated and it is time to bring the facilities up to the standard we would like especially following the great success of the London Olympics, this could be part of the Olympic legacy.
“We would be able to make the changes we have been striving to do for some time. We provide a much-needed swimming service to all ages within the local community and this money could potentially help us to attract even more people to come and use the facilities.”
The West Acre Theatre near Swaffham is another Norfolk organisation looking to apply for funding after contacting Norfolk County Council earlier this year. Xxxx from the theatre explains what the money would be used for: “The aim would be to revamp and extend our current building and provide better facilities during the summer months by upgrading our marquee.
“We currently provide a wonderful range of programmes and are well supported by people in the area. However, with an injection of cash, we believe we could provide an even better and more enjoyable experience.”
Applications submitted by Norfolk organisations will be coordinated by the Norfolk Community Foundation and a shortlist will be considered by a cross-party panel of Norfolk County Councillors.
Norfolk Community Foundation Chief Executive Graham Tuttle said: “The Fund is a fantastic way for local community groups and organisations to get a real boost financially. It is exciting that we hope to be able to announce some of the successful bids before Christmas, meaning a very bright start for them in 2013.”
