The Government has announced £300,000 for Barrowden Village Hall Development Group following their successful bid for a share of the Government's Community Ownership Fund. 

The group bid for funding to invest in a new community hub in Barrowden, replacing the 96-year-old village hall which had a number of structural and safety issues. A structural survey undertaken revealed problems including a leaking roof, dry rot, and wet rot. 

In May Rutland County Council planners approved proposals to demolish the village hall and build a new community hub. The three-phase development will aim to bring the shop and surgery, which also share the Kings Lane/Wakerley Road site, under one roof. 

Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Melton and supporter of the winning bid, said: "It is just fantastic news that Barrowden's Village Hall Development Group's bid for a share of the Government's Community Ownership Fund has been successful! 

"After meeting the team and supporting their bid by raising it with the Government, I know how much this funding means to them, and their journey to secure this funding has by no means been smooth-sailing. The pandemic forced initial plans back to the drawing board, but thanks to the group's hard work and incredible vision, they have now received the funding they need for this wonderful project. 

"Congratulations to all the group, and I very much look forward to visiting this new bustling hub at the heart of Barrowden when work is complete." 

Dehenna Davison, Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Minister, added: "I'm delighted to be able to support this local community group to secure the long term future of the Barrowden Community Hub. The local MP, Alicia Kearns, has raised with me what a vital asset this is, and I am pleased the project will now go ahead." 

Brian Edwards, Barrowden Village Hall Development Group member said: "I am absolutely delighted that the application to the Community Ownership Fund for £300,000 towards a new community hub in Barrowden has been successful. 

"This is an exciting project to replace an ageing village hall with a modern fit for purpose community facility with the aim of bringing support and services closer to local people and meet community needs in this rural part of Rutland. 

"The project that has been under development for over 7 years and reaching this point is a reflection of a strong community spirit in the area and I am pleased to play a part and support this exciting vision for the future." 

Karen Payne and Matthew Farina, Councillors for Ketton said: "Barrowden Village Hall is a central and valuable asset to our local community. We are delighted to hear the brilliant news that we've been awarded £300k towards the replacement of the existing irreparable hall. This is a great start to the fundraising journey and a credit to the Village Hall Committee, residents and our MP, Alicia Kearns, who all put so much hard work into achieving this award, congratulations!" 

The £150 million Community Ownership Fund was launched by the Government to help community groups buy or renovate assets that would otherwise be lost to the community. 

The Government's Community Ownership Fund is designed to ensure that important parts of the social fabric, such as pubs, sports clubs, theatres and post office buildings, can continue to play a central role in towns and villages across the UK.

This Fund is part of the Government's levelling up agenda, with funding weighted towards places where community assets will have the biggest impact.