Funding boost for community buildings across York and North Yorkshire
A funding boost has been announced to support community buildings across York and North Yorkshire.
The 2025/26 Community Building Programme will see £1.35 million spent on such spaces as village halls and cricket grounds, according to a spokesperson for York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
The scheme is being delivered in partnership with North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council and is funded through the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: "I want to make it easier for people to look after each other in their own communities, wherever they are in the region.
"This is particularly key in our rural areas.
"They are vast and beautiful, but often the people who live there feel more isolated than those who live in towns and cities.
"I have visited community buildings from Hawes to Whitby, and so many places in between.
"It might be a village hall, or a cricket ground, but it's the passion of the people who make these into more than places - into anchors for local life.
"That is why community buildings are essential to be able to create healthy, thriving, and connected communities right across the region."
Following on from previous UKSPF funding rounds that supported 43 village halls and community buildings, Mayor Skaith has committed £600,000 from his Mayoral Investment Fund to help more than 20 hubs.
Councillor Heather Phillips, North Yorkshire Council's executive member for stronger communities, said: "We are looking forward to working with our partners on the delivery of this programme.
"These buildings are incredibly important to local communities, particularly in rural areas where it may be the only meeting place for that village.
"They bring the community together, often by providing services and activities for all age groups."
Councillor Pete Kilbane, deputy leader of City of York Council, said: "Community venues like village halls are so much more than just buildings.
"They are places where people get to know each other, make new friends, host family celebrations, play sports, and access key services that enable people of all ages to lead happier, healthier lives.
"In short, they are the places where community is built."
David Burton, chair of Great Ouseburn Village Hall Management Committee, said: "I know how difficult it can be to help run a village hall, but I would encourage anyone in my position to keep an eye out for grants from the Combined Authority and apply where possible.
"This grant process has been extremely straightforward, and the changes made possible with this money have already made a huge impact on our community."
Funding applications will be open till August 4, and applications can be made at https://yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk/project/community-buildings-programme/
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