A number of sites in Cambridge have had funding set aside so that art and cultural offerings can be developed.
Investment worth just over £4.5 million has been earmarked for businesses to enhance businesses within the city centre, as well as supporting a new hub for creative and cultural organisations such as start-ups and artists. Alongside this, ageing buildings will be redeveloped to make them fit for the future and ensure that organisations within the market can continue to be successful.
The funding will come through five streams, with these including:
- A scheme worth £30,000 will enable 20 market traders within the Greater Cambridge area to apply for a £1,000 grant that will support the improvement of their business operations, as well as giving them access to advice that will help them to develop their businesses.
- £30,000 to back the Youth Enterprise Support Programme that will support Greater Cambridge’s young people get started on becoming market traders.
- Using £30,000 to fund a new study into the benefits that markets bring across Greater Cambridge, whilst also understanding the conditions that are needed to ensure their ongoing success and continued development.
- Improvements to the Market Square and Guildhall using £1.5 million. Coming through the Civic Quarter Project, this will bring the opportunity to make improvements to the two historic sites and the corn exchange, making sure that success can be continued.
- Ringfenced funding worth £3 million to deliver a creative and cultural hub, supporting startups and creatives.
Talking about the funding, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Dr Nik Johnson said:
“The Combined Authority is working with the city council on some very exciting projects to improve Cambridge as a place to visit, shop and enjoy varied heritage and culture. It was great to see first-hand how our funding is planned to make a real difference to local residents and the visitor experience, providing a truly unique opportunity to invest back into the health and vitality of the city centre for the long term.”
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority’s Shared Prosperity Fund has provided the basis for the three £30,000 funds. These were bid for jointly by South Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridge City Council
Councillor Mike Davey, Leader of Cambridge City Council, spoke about further investment, adding:
“We have our own £20 million investment coming forward for the Civic Quarter project over the coming years, but it’s really important to us that in the meantime we’re able to continue ongoing work to refurbish and improve our public spaces. What’s more we need to support and equip the people who bring the city to life, so these funding and support programmes are warmly welcomed, to help safeguard the future of the market and give people creative spaces to thrive.”
Image credit: iStock
