PEDESTRIAN access to town centre businesses in Cirencester town centre is almost complete, says a leading figure from Cotswold District Council. 

The council now wants to hear more ideas which could boost the district’s economy with over £1.7m funding available to local businesses and communities

The council has opened applications for over £1.7m of funding that is available from the Governments UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF).

Cotswold District Council is managing the funding which has been provided by central government as part of the Levelling Up agenda to boost the local economy and build local communities.

Within the first year of funding, support has been given to Cotswold Friends Men in Sheds to support those in the district who may be experiencing bereavement, poor health or loneliness, wildflower planting in community spaces to brighten up the area and attract wildlife, improvements to a key pedestrian walkway in Cirencester town centre plus the building of additional offices at the Alliston Centre to support the growing array of businesses based there.

Cllr Tony Dale, Cabinet Member for the Economy and Transformation, said, “I’m really looking forward to seeing the applications for both the UKSPF and the REPF.

"We have a real opportunity to make a difference across the district through this funding.

“The year one projects we’ve been able to support so far through the UKSPF have been brilliant, for example the improvements to pedestrian access to town centre businesses in Cirencester which are almost complete and the additional offices at the Growth Hub/Farm491 which are being built next month. 

“As a council we are committed to being proactive and responding to the needs of our residents and businesses in a fast-changing environment, and to build for the future while respecting our heritage.

“I would encourage any organisation interested in either of the funds to check our website to see if the funding could help you.”

Any businesses or community groups interested in the Shared Prosperity funding and the projects it could support can find out more at www.cotswold.gov.uk/SPF.

All submissions will need to be sent to the council by 5pm on Friday 27th October 2023 using the form available on the website.  

Applications for the Rural England Prosperity Fund are open until Friday 10th November 2023 and more information and guidance can be found at www.cotswold.gov.uk/REPF