£1.5m set to be allocated to improve pride in Mansfield
Mansfield community groups and projects are set to receive nearly £1.5m in funding to help boost pride in the district, following application to the government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund.
The funding has been approved in principle and a report has been published detailing the successful applications, with final approval still subject to the necessary governance and funder sign off and agreements.
The proposed allocation will support improvements at a range of parks, open spaces and community facilities across the district, with a strong focus on making spaces more inclusive for children and young people with disabilities.
Planned projects include upgrades to play areas across the district, improvements to community centres in areas of high need, and investment in the town centre including new market stalls, shopfront enhancements and community led public art.
Funding is also set to support local organisations to improve community facilities, including creating more accessible spaces, expanding youth provision and strengthening support for hard to reach groups.
Andy Abrahams, executive mayor of Mansfield, said: “It is amazing how far £1.5m goes in bringing a series of tangible and meaningful improvements to this district.
“Some of this funding, once approved, will enable us to do the kind of projects which come under a ‘nice to do’ heading but which local authorities everywhere rarely have had the spare cash available to carry out, such as upgrades to play areas.
“It is these kinds of neighbourhood enhancements that can really improve people’s quality of life.
Mansfield MP Steve Yemm (Lab), added: “This funding shows the Labour Government’s commitment to supporting investment in Mansfield.
"It will improve our public spaces, support local organisations, and make our town more inclusive for residents and families.
"I welcome this investment by the Government and the positive difference it will make for our community.”
The proposed funding includes £668,900 to improve community spaces, £165,000 for high street and town centre improvements, and £600,000 for improvements to open spaces.
This proposed allocation reflects the three main objectives of the fund to improve community and public spaces and to revitalise high streets and town centres.
The funding aligns with the council’s corporate plan by supporting community wellbeing, improving local places, promoting inclusive growth and empowering communities to deliver projects that build pride and resilience.
A full list of the proposed allocations are included in the council’s chief executive report, available to view on the council’s website.
All applications are subject to final approval and grant agreements.