More than £360,000 in grants to boost rural life in South Cambridgeshire

Seven community and business projects are set to share grants of more than £360,000 to help boost rural life in South Cambridgeshire.

The projects include creating activity space at a community centre, improved accessibility at an arts centre and refurbishment of local tennis courts.

The latest round of grants takes it to a total of 26 projects in the district to receive money from the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), aimed at supporting rural communities and businesses in building long-term resilience.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) is the lead authority for the Fund, while South Cambridgeshire District Council is responsible for grant scheme delivery and allocation.

Cllr Peter McDonald, Lead Cabinet Member for Economic Development for South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “It’s inspiring to see such a wide range of groups receiving support through this new grant, which is specifically designed to breathe new life into our district. By investing in rural businesses and local community groups, we're not just stimulating economic growth but also building a stronger sense of identity and belonging in these areas. These grants will help preserve the unique character of our countryside, fostering pride in our heritage while paving the way for sustainable, long-term success. Ultimately, we're ensuring South Cambridgeshire remains a thriving, diverse, and dynamic rural district where both businesses and communities can prosper.”

The seven projects to receive funding are:

• Cambourne Town Council - £90,000 towards creating shared activity space in the scout hut and men’s shed modular building so that any other local groups who do not have a permanent home have a setting where they can meet.
• Wysing Arts Centre - £80,000 towards improving accessibility for visitors as well as enhancing their biodiversity practices.
• Cottenham Community Centre - £38,000 to create a second activities space within the community centre.
• Allia - £32,555 to cover the costs of AV equipment, solar panels and CCTV at the co-working café within the new social enterprise hub at Papworth Printworks.
• Jacks Gelato - £40,000 towards a specialised waffle cone making machine.
• Impington Sports Centre - £53,000 towards resurfacing of the tennis and netball courts.
• Willow Grange Farm - £50,000 towards costs of solar panels, heat recovery system and automatic doors to allow the business to expand operations and drive energy efficiency.

The grants were discussed at a meeting of the District Council’s Grants Advisory Committee