Mayor steps up support for community hubs

Rural communities across York and North Yorkshire are set to benefit from a new £1.35 million investment to improve local halls and hubs.

York and North Yorkshire mayor David Skaith has pledged the funding to support more than 20 community buildings, from village halls to cricket grounds.

The package combines £600,000 from the mayor’s own investment fund with contributions from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Rural England Prosperity Fund.

It marks the third-largest rural funding allocation of its kind in England.

Mayor Skaith said: “I want to make it easier for people to look after each other in their own communities, wherever they are in the region. 

“This is particularly key in our rural areas. 

“They are vast and beautiful but often the people who live there feel more isolated than those who live in towns and cities.

“I have visited community buildings from Hawes to Whitby and so many places in between. 

“It might be a village hall or a cricket ground but it’s the passion of the people who make these into more than places, but anchors for local life.

“That is why community buildings are essential to be able to create healthy, thriving and connected communities right across the region.

“This fund will be a real investment into the foundations of local life.”

The programme will be delivered in partnership with North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council in 2025–26. 

It follows earlier funding rounds that helped upgrade 43 buildings across the region. 

Officials say the combined funds will widen access beyond the most rural areas, ensuring more communities benefit from essential improvements to local facilities.

Councillor Heather Phillips, executive member for stronger communities at North Yorkshire Council, said: “These buildings are incredibly important to local communities, particularly in rural areas where it may be the only meeting place for that village. 

“They bring the community together, often by providing services and activities for all age groups.”

Councillor Pete Kilbane, deputy leader of the council and executive member for economy and culture at City of York Council, added: “Community venues like village halls are so much more than just buildings. 

“They are places where people get to know each other, make new friends, host family celebrations, play sports and access key services that enable people of all ages lead happier, healthier lives. 

“In short, they are the places where community is built.

“We’re delighted that the mayor has taken this successful programme forward with plans for improvements across the region. 

“This new funding will help ensure the future of these buildings for generations to come, so that residents will continue to enjoy all of the benefits they offer.”

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