Cabinet to recommend further funding to Full Council for Boston Community Projects
At a Special Cabinet meeting held on Thursday 31 October, it was unanimously agreed to recommend to Full Council on 11 November 2024 to accept Levelling Up Partnership (LUP) funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). This funding will support several local projects, including the Boston Leisure Project, and incorporate a Community Volunteering & Wellbeing Hub and a new NHS site at Rosegarth Square.
The LUP funding offer requires the addition of a Community Volunteering & Wellbeing Hub to the original Town Deal project, enhancing the project's scope in recognition of the new funding. This aligns with a series of capital projects aimed at supporting Boston's economic resilience and growth. The Levelling Up Partnership was developed to provide bespoke place-based regeneration in areas with the greatest need.
Cllr Sarah Sharpe, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure at Boston Borough Council, said: "This funding is a fantastic opportunity to enhance our community facilities and support the wellbeing of our residents. The new hub will be a valuable addition to the Boston Leisure Project, providing a space for volunteering and community activities."
All LUP funding proposals required a business case, developed and approved by officials at MHCLG and His Majesty's Treasury (HMT). The business cases include:
- Boston United Football Sports Complex & Affordable Homes: Funding to complete the community sports complex and support the building of 30 affordable homes as part of the Quadrant housing development.
- Haven Wharf: Transforming an existing heritage asset into a hub for innovation, skill development, and opportunities in the creative and digital sectors.
- Rosegarth Square, PE21: To fund and facilitate the regeneration of the former B&M site in Rosegarth Square, including activities for its future development.
- Community Organisations Package: A community-led grant scheme to develop community assets and boost local pride, offering larger grants for significant social and physical regeneration.
- Boston Connected: Providing digital infrastructure to enhance the visitor economy, linking activities and services for visitors and residents.
- Boston Community Research Project: Promoting thriving communities, inclusive growth, and future-proofing through a Community Masterplan.
- St Botolph's Church Visitor Offer: Developing a new visitor information point to support the existing provision, open seven days a week.
Councillor Sandeep Ghosh, Portfolio Holder for Finance at Boston Borough Council, said: "Securing this funding is a crucial step in our efforts to regenerate Boston and support our community. These projects will not only improve local infrastructure but also create opportunities for economic growth and community engagement."
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