Wealden village halls urged to apply for revamp funding

Town and parish councils across Wealden are being encouraged to apply for funding to upgrade and modernise their village halls.

Village halls across England can now apply for grants from the Platinum Jubilee Village Hall Fund, which is open to applications until 20 January.

Launched to mark the occasion of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in June 2022, the fund recognises the important role that village halls play in supporting rural communities.

Village halls are key cornerstones in the fabric of rural life, providing essential services and bringing people together through social and recreational activities.

They are vital resources for those unable to travel great distances and are key drivers of community cohesion which positively contribute to the health and wellbeing of rural communities. But many are in poor repair and in need of modernisation to better serve the communities that they represent.

The fund is managed by the charity Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE). It is anticipated that the fund will support around 125 village halls over a three-year period creating bigger, better and brighter village halls for communities to enjoy.

Village halls interested in applying can request grants from £7,500 to £75,000, and up to a maximum of 20 per cent of eligible project costs. Capital grants will be allocated to support infrastructure improvements, the refurbishment of facilities, such as kitchens and toilets, and measures to improve energy efficiency.

Councillor Pam Doodes, Wealden’s portfolio holder for Community, said, “Across Wealden, village halls are the focal point of village life and this fund will allow our parish and town councils to upgrade and modernise their premises, so they are fit for purpose for the future and continue to meet the needs of their communities.”

The application window will close on 20 January with successful applicants being able to draw on the funding from this April.