Hartlepool Borough Council has welcomed the news that Owton Manor is to benefit from major investment from the Community Wealth Fund, bringing £2.55 million into the community over the next decade.
The funding represents a significant opportunity for local residents to take the lead in shaping the future of their neighbourhood, with decisions on spending being driven by the community itself. It will build on the work already ongoing in Owton Manor through the Government's Pride in Place Programme.
Over the next 10 years, Owton Manor will receive a total allocation of £2.55 million. The Community Wealth Fund is designed to empower communities by giving local people greater influence over decisions affecting their area, helping to strengthen local leadership, improve community facilities and support activities that make a real difference to residents' lives.
The Community Wealth Fund has been developed by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport in partnership with The National Lottery Community Fund and the Ministry for Housing, Community and Local Government.
Councillor David Bruce, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: "This is fantastic news for Owton Manor and for Hartlepool as a whole."
"Owton Manor is a community with a strong sense of identity, pride and resilience. This investment recognises the potential that exists within the area and, importantly, puts local people in the driving seat when it comes to deciding how the funding should be used."
"The Community Wealth Fund is about much more than money. It is about creating opportunities for residents to shape the future of their neighbourhood, strengthen community networks and build the capacity needed to tackle local challenges and realise local ambitions."
"We look forward to supporting our partners and the local community as this programme develops and helping to ensure the funding delivers meaningful and lasting benefits for Owton Manor over the next decade."
The Council will work closely with local organisations, community groups and residents as the programme progresses, helping to maximise the opportunities presented by this significant long-term investment.
The announcement follows continued efforts across Hartlepool to support stronger communities, increase local participation and ensure that residents have a greater voice in shaping the places where they live.