Village Halls to get major revamp as Platinum Jubilee fund opens

Villages in England can now apply for grants to improve and modernise their facilities.

Village halls are the cornerstone of rural life, especially for those who are unable to travel great distances. But many are in poor repair and require modernisation to better serve their communities.

On Tuesday, December 20, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and former MP for Newbury Richard Benyon (2005-2019) announced the opening of the Platinum Jubilee Village Hall Fund enable villages to draw from £3m in capital funding.

It is anticipated the fund will support around 125 village halls over a three-year period, creating new and improved village halls for communities to enjoy.

Village halls 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 – including kitchens and toilets – and measures to improve energy efficiency.

Minister for Rural Affairs Lord Benyon said: "The Platinum Jubilee Village Halls Fund will create a national network of legacy projects to benefit rural communities.

"This will be a lasting tribute to the long, exceptional service of Her Late Majesty the Queen and will support village halls, many of which were built in commemoration of Her Majesty's predecessors, Queen Victoria and King George V.

"Today, village halls remain a key community asset and efforts to modernise these spaces will ensure that they are used by generations to come."

Chairman at Action with Communities in Rural England, James Blake, added: "We are delighted to be administering this grant fund.

"Village halls are the beating heart of rural communities across England.

"They provide warm, welcoming spaces that bring people together, combat loneliness and support countless livelihoods, which is especially important at a time when the cost-of-living crisis is bearing down on many.

"This investment, combined with the specialist support and advice of ACRE members will help modernise many of these important buildings so they can continue serving local communities."

Applications close on January 20, 2023, with those successful being able to draw on the funding from April 2023.

Visit https://acre.org.uk/platinum-jubilee-village-halls-fund/ for further information on how to apply. The fund is managed by the charity, Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE).