Moorland Community Centre to undergo works for improvement using UKSPF funding

The works will last for approximately four weeks, and include a number of changes to both improve the functionality of the space, increase opportunities for members and volunteers, and improve the building’s exterior. 

These works include: 

• Refurbished kitchens x2 

• Office space for community organisation  

• Improved CCTV provision 

• Electricity upgrades 

• Improved security/fire doors 

• Upgrades to meeting rooms to provide better facilities for users 

• Removal of the razor wire and replacement with anti-climb paint and external lighting to improve the building’s exterior appearance  

Located in one of the top 10% of the most deprived areas in England, Moorland Community Centre’s ambition is to build relationships within the area so that residents have the resources and space to thrive. 

The foundations for this ambition have been achieved through a history of strong partnership including the Moorland Neighbourhood Board, local ward councillors, social prescribing, Community Connectors and VCSE partners. 

The refurbishment works, taking place in July and August 2024, will be delivered by City of Lincoln Council under funding allocated by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and aims to create a welcoming community space for the area and volunteering hub. 

Alongside the addition of testing new activities and the inclusion of a warm space in the building, these elements will also link back to the centre’s nationally accredited Volunteer Centre service, with more potential for local volunteering opportunities and facilitation of volunteering projects. 

With refurbishments to the building, the centre also hopes to provide specialist support for local organisations to develop their services, therefore increasing capacity, resilience and flexibility. 

The City Council was allocated £2,810,773 UKSPF funding as part of the government’s levelling up agenda for expenditure April 2022 to March 2025. The basis of the award was an Investment Plan submitted in 2022, which set out how this fund would be indicatively spent across the 3 pillars of the fund, Community and Place, People and Skills and Supporting Local Businesses. To date, we have awarded/commissioned £1.4million, these are being developed with partners.

The goverment’s UKSPF funding supports reducing inequalities and allowing for rural economic growth in local areas. 

Councillor Bob Bushell, ward member for Moorland and Portfolio Holder for Remarkable Place said:

“Building stronger communities for the benefit of people’s physical, mental, and social wellbeing is a significant priority for the council.  
 

“These works, supported by UKSPF funding, will greatly benefit the Moorland area, and we’re excited to see the positive impact it will have on the centre’s volunteers and users.”  

Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth, Cllr Joshua Wells, said:  

“I’m really pleased to see that funding from UKSPF will be used to support improvements to such an important venue in the Moorland area.   
 

“These improvements will enable more local people to access this important community space. 
 

"Supporting our communities, especially where these types of facilities are needed most, is key to building pride in our city. I look forward to seeing how this funding positively impacts this public space.”