Refurbishing Rhiwbina Library to become the Rhiwbina Hub was among the projects made possible by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF), a new report has highlighted.
Cardiff’s share of the fund – designed to replace funding previously provided by the EU – has been spent benefiting hundreds of people and projects across the city, says the report.
The fund, part of the Government’s levelling up strategy, was launched last November to compensate for the loss of Structural Funds in Wales.
Now, a new report to Cardiff Council’s cabinet has outlined how the city’s share – overseen by the council – is being distributed.
In the period up to the end of March this year, more than £5.2m has been spent on projects including:
More than 140 arts activities supported at Llanover Hall
Refurbishing Rhiwbina Hub
Improving shelter and lighting in St Mellons Park
200 events supported for young people
Supporting more than 3,000 litter picks
Setting up nine community recycling zones
Supporting more than 600 people on numeracy courses
Education and training for young people across the city, with targeted support for some of the most vulnerable
Direct support to music venues
Supporting job club activities to help people with employment, benefits and housing
Improving cycle ways in Llanishen Park and Old St Mellons
Improving city centre management operations
Providing employment, benefits and housing support
An updated SPF programme has been proposed which will allocate £8.6m for projects including:
An open call worth more than £5m for community projects with funding of up to £250,000
Additional grants for small businesses
Investing in community facilities and the Neighbourhood Renewal programme
Supporting grassroots music venues
Funding for the Cardiff Market restoration
Huw Thomas, the leader of Cardiff Council, said: “The SPF fits perfectly with the council’s Stronger, Fairer, Greener strategy and has delivered some vital services for communities in the city, supporting events and activities that are helping communities work together, promoting equality and celebrating diversity. It is also directly investing in our businesses and supporting people across Cardiff to access employment opportunities.”
The report was being discussed at the council’s cabinet committee meeting this afternoon (Thursday 21 September). You can read the report here