UK Community Renewal Fund - Approved Projects
Funding from UK government to help local areas prepare for the launch of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in 2022.
For more information, visit: UK Community Renewal Fund Prospectus (gov.uk)
Approved Projects
On 3rd November 2021 six innovative Powys projects were informed of their successful bids, submitted by Powys County Council on their behalf. The funding award for all of the projects combined amounted to £2,626,580 and the projects are to be completed by 30th June 2022.
The 6 successful projects are detailed below:
Green Heart of Wales/Zero Carbon Mid Wales - The Centre for Alternative Technology - £513,688
The Centre for Alternative Technology and partners will deliver four feasibility studies, test innovative retrofit training approaches and an Energy Services Company model, with the purpose of robustly demonstrating the investment opportunities to contribute to economic growth and a net zero carbon future in the UK.
Contact: Nick Ashbee - nick.ashbee@cat.org.uk
Go Green to Get Clean - Powys County Council - £400,000
This pilot will test the feasibility of introducing electric road sweepers across the county as part of a wider strategy to reduce carbon emissions. This project will enhance environmental conditions by reducing air and noise pollution and so, improve the quality of place for communities, businesses, and visitors alike.
Contact: Lyn Parry - lyn.parry@powys.gov.uk
Powys Localities Initiative - Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations - £419,835
During the Coronavirus pandemic, PAVO set up 13 'locality' networks across Powys as a way for 3rd sector organisations to engage with both the immediate needs and the post pandemic aspirations of the market towns of the county, and of the residents of the rural hinterland reliant upon the services that they provide. This project builds on work to date to develop the networks as forums that build the capacity of residents to plan, develop and deliver activities that boost the social and economic vitality of each locality. In addition to facilitating discussion on development priorities, the project will provide funding to each locality to take forward activities that can inform the creation of future initiatives or pilot activities that enhance resilience in each locality.
Contact: Nick Venti - nick.venti@pavo.org.uk
Montgomery Canal Restoration Feasibility - Canal & River Trust - £330,065
The project comprises a feasibility study, preparatory assessments, investigations, and designs, with the focus on waterway (restoration) for economic & social purposes. Activity includes infrastructure works required to open the Montgomery Canal to navigation; a 4.4mile section from the border at Llanymynech to Arddleen and to connect to the 12 miles already restored section each side of Welshpool. Potential beneficiaries of the fully reopened canal are:
- Local communities: sense of place
- Local communities: enhanced leisure asset for more on-water activity
- Existing tourism businesses along the Canal Corridor Llanymynech to Refail
- Existing businesses deriving substantial income from tourism (e.g., village shops)
- New tourism businesses-e.g., boat hire/ activities (e.g., Paddleboard & kayak).
The project aims to provide long term benefit to the Community and the Tourism Economy in the County of Powys. The complete reports will inform future applications for capital funding and deliver sustainable tourism attraction to Powys.
Contact: Clare Parsons - clare.parsons@canalrivertrust.org.uk
Powys Community Skills Initiative - Powys County Council - £749,866
PCC will lead a collaborative and cohesive approach to skills delivery across the county, working with Voluntary Sector, Industry and Further Education partners. Through training and pilot schemes, we will improve skills, provide service improvement opportunities, develop an effective skills network and digitally future proof citizens and organisations in Powys.
The innovation is in the wide scale programme of digital upskilling which support staff and citizens to feel confident in a digital environment and build digital resilience across Powys. This is delivered in partnership with Black Mountain College, NPTC Group, Mid Wales Manufacturing Group & Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations.
Contact: Sarah Quibell - sarah.quibell@powys.gov.uk
Enterprise Powys - Business in Focus - £213,126
Focus Enterprise Powys offers a pre-start entrepreneurship pathway for 100 individuals. Activity includes:
- Tailored, holistic support
- 121's/small-group webinars
- Developing entrepreneurial skills/confidence
- Progressing business plans
And resilience support for 50 existing small businesses:
- Video-conferenced 121s supporting with finances, social media, export, diversification
- Linking to virtual networks/advisory webinars
- Bursary for clean, early stage businesses
Contact: Alison Hitchin - AlisonH@BusinessinFocus.co.uk
In addition to the six projects listed above, Powys County Council was also successful in benefitting from funding as part of a joint bid with Ceredigion County Council (lead partner) for the following project:
Mid Wales Challenge Led Launchpad Series - AberInnovation - £560,187
A new programme aimed at developing novel solutions to public sector and societal issues through research and innovation whilst offering new market opportunities for businesses and low skilled people in Mid Wales. The programme will enable businesses to analyse and evaluate the potential of concepts and ideas for eventual public sector deployment through collaboration with academia and regional leadership to encourage success and growth.
Contact: innovate@aber.ac.uk
For general enquiries regarding the Community Renewal Fund in Powys, please email CRF@powys.gov.uk.
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