£180,000 awarded to refurbish community hub in Bodmin

IntoBodmin CIC is the first project in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly to receive money from the Shared Prosperity Fund

Author: Sophie SquiresPublished 22nd Dec 2022
Last updated 22nd Dec 2022

IntoBodmin CIC has been announced as the first project in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly to receive a share of the region’s £132m Shared Prosperity Fund.

The community and arts organisation, formed in 2017, has been awarded £180,000 to refurbish “The Old Library” which serves as a cultural and community hub for the town.

They will also use the funds to launch a new Community Skills Development programme to provide the opportunity for six volunteers to receive training and establish place-based groups to develop community opportunities.

Councillor Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for economy, said: "This is a great example of a project that can deliver on our good growth ambitions and make a difference at the heart of the community where it’s needed most.

"IntoBodmin is the first of many fantastic projects in line to receive shared prosperity funding, which will give residents access to new jobs and training and see investments made to improve local communities across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly."

The Old Library

Fin Irwin, Director at IntoBodmin says: "We are so excited to finally transform The Old Library building, that has been at the heart of the Bodmin community for the last 125 years.

"Accessing the Shared Prosperity Fund will allow us to safeguard it for the next 125 years!"

Levelling Up Minister, Dehenna Davison said: "It is great to see Cornwall and Isles of Scilly take full advantage of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, by refurbishing of the library located in the heart of Bodmin.

"I know the Bodmin Library plays such an important role for the community - offering a gateway to knowledge and providing a community space for youth groups and local families."

IntoBodmin CIC received £180,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of the UK Government’s levelling up agenda.

Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have been allocated a total £132m to spend on local investments over three years until March 2025.

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