£267,000 awarded to rural projects in Newark and Sherwood

The local grant scheme, designed and administered by Newark and Sherwood District Council, has supported rural projects through £267,000 from the Mayor of the East Midlands and the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), using UK Government funding delivered through the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The latest local allocation of REPF funding has supported 12 organisations since April 2025, with awards ranging from £10,000 to £40,000 for projects that make a lasting difference to local communities or drive rural economic growth. Successful applications focused on projects aimed at boosting local business and rural tourism, creating welcoming community hubs, celebrating heritage, improving green spaces, and driving sustainability and innovation.

These projects are expected to make a significant impact within the district, with the latest round alone involving projects engaging over 5,000 participants and upgrading seven community facilities for use by residents. Between June 2023 and March 2025, a further 16 rural projects were supported through previous allocations of REPF. Recent projects include funding awarded to Caythorpe Cricket Club to help improve highly valued community spaces, investment at the Feel Good Gardens site in Clipstone to enhance outdoor volunteering and social action projects, support to develop future proposals for a new community facility in Bilsthorpe, and improvements to Southwell Brincliffe Hockey Club.

Among the latest projects funded is Thorney St Helens Community Hub, which secured £40,000 to transform the village’s only public indoor space into a warm, accessible, flexible facility for residents of all ages. The project includes installing air source heat pump underfloor heating, levelling and replacing flooring, and upgrading lighting and electrics. These improvements will make the much needed venue usable year-round and allow community activities to flourish, supporting volunteering and community cohesion within a rural community.

The project will tackle rural isolation, loneliness, and health inequalities by hosting community groups, wellbeing programmes, and outreach support such as ‘Know Your Numbers’ health checks and rural advice services.

Councillor Claire Penny, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Growth at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “We are proud to support projects that make a real difference to our rural communities. These grants are helping local organisations to grow, improve facilities, and create opportunities for residents. These investments strengthen our rural economy and enhance quality of life for thousands of people across Newark and Sherwood.”

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is providing £25.17 million of funding for local investment across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire in 2025/26. This funding, distributed by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), aims to boost pride in place and increase life chances in the region. The investment will focus on supporting communities and businesses, as well as developing skills for individuals.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “I’m thrilled to see funding supporting communities across Newark and Sherwood, helping local people deliver projects that make a real difference.” 

“Rural areas face unique challenges, from isolation to limited access to community spaces. Projects like Thorney St Helens Community Hub give residents the chance to come together, stay active, and support one another.” 

“By putting resources into local hands, we strengthen the economy, boost pride in place, and create lasting benefits for residents and future generations.” 

For more information, visit: UK Shared Prosperity Fund 2025-26: Technical note - GOV.UK