How over £2.5m has boosted Erewash

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UK SPF) 2022-25 has helped Erewash Borough Council support local organisations and fund projects that enhance community wellbeing and build a stronger, safer, and vibrant future for our residents.

In 2022, the Government launched the UK Shared Prosperity Fund which totalled £2.6billion. Erewash Borough Council successfully bid for over £2.5million and were determined to see the investment have maximum impact.

The funding has supported some significant projects across the borough including improvements to local spaces, investment in sustainability, work to back local businesses and community organisations, championing culture and events, research and development, and much more.

Residents have been benefitting from the impact of improvements across the borough – from the new West Park play area, to Rutland Sports Park which gained a “3G” all-weather pitch that meets FIFA standards, whilst Pewit Nature Reserve was opened after being fitted with measures to boost biodiversity like butterfly and bee banks, the planting of 2,250 saplings and its new network of paths. 

Residents also enjoyed a string of cultural events fuelled by UKSPF investment which ranged from music concerts to exhibitions. Erewash Museum’s summer programme expanded, with additional entertainment at the popular beach in the museum gardens. Children gained access to experiences for free, like the chance to hold some real animals.

Young or old, residents of all ages were supported by UK SPF funding as organisations like Westfield Preschool and the Wednesday Club in Stanley Common received new development and educational equipment, and assistance with minibus costs and venue hire respectively. Ilkeston Community Pantry’s Access for All project also gained funding for a commercial fridge and freezer.

Meanwhile, Empty Shop Signage Grants boosted local businesses like Coopers Dog Grooming and Lady Nene’s café. The Living Hope Community Store, which was launched to help those struggling with the cost of living, benefitted from the grant as well. Research and development was supported at I Holland, who have been looking at new ways to keep machinery for punching out tablets germ-free, and at I’m So Good! who work with nutrition experts at Nottingham University to produce tasty frozen meals that can help keep key workers healthy.

The Visit Erewash campaign was developed using UK SPF funding and aimed to showcase Erewash as a fantastic place to enjoy leisure time and draw visitors to the borough, further boosting local businesses. The website – at www.visit-erewash.co.uk – includes details of the myriad trails, beauty spots and waterways to be found in Erewash.

Erewash Borough Council deputy leader Cllr Becca Everett who is also Lead Member for Community Engagement said: “These projects have been so impactful for our borough – from green spaces and leisure provision, to local communities and businesses. Being able to empower our residents and champion their projects has been incredibly rewarding. This has been a fantastic opportunity to show that this is a borough our residents can be proud of, and to demonstrate that we are committed to making sure Erewash and its residents continue to thrive.”

UK SPF has been continued for an additional 12 months for 2025/26 and further investment will see even more projects delivered for the benefit of Erewash borough residents.