Room for improvement in your community?

On village halls week, Stratford-on-Avon District Council is pleased to announce that in 2025 it will be launching the 'Community Infrastructure Investment Fund' to allow local community venues, community centres and village halls to apply for funding to make much-needed repairs, renovations and improvements to enhance these important facilities for local residents.

After the challenges of the pandemic and subsequent cost-of-living crisis, the importance and value of community spaces has become increasingly apparent.

Village halls, community centres and youth clubs provide much needed space for communities to come together, build connections, make changes and boost health and wellbeing, but many of these buildings are showing their age, with the majority having been built in the early to mid-20th century, and need some TLC.

These important community facilities are run on very small budgets, so when fundamental building issues arise, it can be difficult to find the funds to make the necessary improvements.

So, whether it's a new kitchen in Combrook, bathroom facilities in Brailes, improving disabled access in Alcester, or improved heating in Halford, this fund will be able to make our vital community venues more modern, inclusive and fit-for-purpose.

Cllr Liz Coles, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Customer Services, said: "We are pleased that these grants will contribute towards supporting village halls and other centres which are such important parts of their communities."

WRCC (Warwickshire Rural Community Council), who have been supporting village halls in the county for the past 87 years are keen to offer support to potential applicants for the scheme.

Working in partnership with Halls Together, volunteer management committees can access specialist advice and support to develop projects. Get in touch via www.wrccrural.org.uk to find out more about the services available.

More information will be released soon, so keep updated on the WRCC's website, social media and newsletters to find out more.

#VillageHallsWeek returns for its ninth year. 

Village Halls Week runs from 17 to 23 March and this year's theme is centred around celebrating, encouraging and supporting the efforts of volunteers who keep these important rural community buildings open.

This annual campaign - led by Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) - shines a spotlight on the contribution England's 10,000+ village halls make to bringing communities together.