Local initiatives across the Cotswolds to receive over £120k in funding

This latest injection of funding from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which is now in its fourth year, will support projects like upgrading rural bridleways to supporting young people and local enterprises. 

The money aims to strengthen local economies, improve community spaces, and create new opportunities across the Cotswold district. 

Cllr Tristan Wilkinson, Cabinet Member for Economy and Council Transformation, said: "We’ve already seen the real difference that UK Shared Prosperity Fund investment in the Cotswolds can make - from helping young people into work, to supporting local entrepreneurs and improving much-loved community spaces. I’m really pleased to see that so many fantastic projects are going to receive funding this time around, continuing our commitment to building a more connected, vibrant and resilient district." 

The projects awarded funding in this round include: 

• North Cotswold Awards – Campden Business Forum (£3,500): A new initiative to recognise and celebrate local business excellence in the North Cotswolds. 

• Town Centres Initiative – Cotswold District Council (£7,500): Targeted support to address vacant units in local town centres. 

• Youth Business, Education & Employment Initiative – Cirencester Chamber of Commerce (£25,000): Supporting local young people through career readiness programmes and business engagement. 

• Volunteer Training – Cotswold Friends (£8,023): Strengthening the volunteer network with new training opportunities to better support vulnerable residents. 

• Mentoring Project – The Door Project (£25,000): Providing life-changing one-to-one mentoring for young people facing challenges in their personal lives. 

• The Old Station – Rixon Architects (£25,000): Revitalising a historic site into a creative co-working hub for local artists and entrepreneurs. 

• Longborough Bridleway – Gloucestershire County Council (£6,430): Upgrading a rural bridleway to improve access and connectivity. 

• Kitchen Replacement – Broad Campden Village Hall (£4,200): Enhancing facilities at a well-used village hub to support more community events and activities. 

• Improved Public Realm – Lechlade Town Council (£16,815): Creating a more attractive, accessible public space in the town centre. 

In total, £121,468 has been awarded in this latest round of UKSPF funding, part of a broader programme aimed at reducing inequalities and levelling up across the country. The council administer this funding locally, and organisations apply directly to us for support. As part of our role, we assess applications and decide which projects receive funding based on their alignment with the Government programme’s priorities. 

To find out more about the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, please visit https://cotswold.gov.uk/news-items/uk-shared-prosperity-fund/.