It has been announced that the state-funded scheme that has helped save cherished community sites including Meads Hall is being shut early leaving millions of pounds unallocated.
The community ownership fund (COF) was launched in 2021, with the aim of handing out £150m worth of grants that would give local groups the financial firepower to take control of and save beloved assets.
However, the scheme, which was due to run to the end of 2025, is being closed early with £135m having been allocated to date. The government blamed the early closure on the state of the public finances, with officials saying the unspent money would be used to fund other government priorities.
The MECC Trustees are relieved that, despite reservations from certain quarters to wait, we forged ahead with our COF application and plans to save the hall including the transfer of the hall, building works and fundraising. We have been successful in achieving our objectives with building works completing by mid-February and the hall re-opening shortly after for classes and events for the enjoyment of the Meads community!
