Bath Neighbourhood CIL funding applications consultation (Round 19)

Alice Park Trust is seeking a grant of £60,159 towards a £209,909 project to create a more inclusive, accessible, and engaging play area for older children at Alice Park, Gloucester Road, Lambridge, Bath (BA1 7BL).

The project forms Phase 2 of the park's play area improvements and focuses particularly on providing high-quality play opportunities for children and young people aged 9 to 14. The proposed investment will improve access to the site and lay the groundwork for a wider transformation of the play area, helping to create a welcoming space where children, families and carers can spend time together, be active and enjoy the outdoors.

Funding from the CIL Neighbourhood Fund will support essential infrastructure works, including improved access routes, groundworks, drainage, site clearance and enhancements to seating and pavilion facilities. These improvements will create a safer, more accessible, and attractive environment while also providing the foundation for future play installations.

The project is being delivered through a phased approach. The initial works funded through CIL will provide immediate benefits to park users and function as a public funding anchor that will help the Trust secure additional charitable and corporate donations. Subject to further fundraising, later phases will introduce a range of age-appropriate play features, including climbing, balancing, swinging, movement, music and social play equipment designed for older children.

Expected outcomes include improved accessibility, enhanced opportunities for physical activity and social interaction, stronger community connections, and improved wellbeing for children and families. The project will help ensure Alice Park continues to meet the needs of a growing local population while providing a high-quality outdoor recreation space for the wider community.

Grant requested: £60,159
Total project cost: £209,909
Other Contributions: additional funding being sought: £149,750 through charitable and corporate donations
Purpose: Phase 2 improvements to Alice Park's play facilities, accessibility, and supporting infrastructure.

Avonvale Rugby Football Club is seeking a grant of £30,000 to refurbish its Scout Hut at Bathford, Bath (BA1 7SW), ensuring it remains a safe and welcoming facility for the growing number of people who use the club's facilities.

The Scout Hut is an important community asset used by mini, junior, girls', ladies’, and senior rugby teams, as well as volunteers, coaches, visiting teams and family members attending matches and events. However, the building has suffered from ongoing water ingress and deterioration over a number of years and now requires significant repairs.

The project will provide a permanent solution to the water damage, improving the building's condition, safety, and long-term sustainability. By addressing the underlying causes of the problem, the refurbishment will protect the facility from further deterioration and reduce future maintenance requirements.

Located on the eastern edge of Bath, Avonvale RFC serves not only Bathford and the surrounding villages but also a substantial number of residents from the City of Bath and plays a key role in supporting grassroots sport and community participation. The improved facility will help the club continue to accommodate increasing demand for rugby and other community activities as the local population grows. It will provide a more comfortable and welcoming environment for players, volunteers, and visitors of all ages.

Expected outcomes include a weatherproof and fit-for-purpose building that can continue serving the community for many years to come, improved facilities for children, young people, and adult participants, and strengthened support for volunteers who help run the club. The project will also ensure Avonvale RFC has facilities capable of supporting future growth in participation and community use.

Grant requested: £30,000
Other Contributions: £20,000 from fundraising and volunteer support
Purpose: Refurbishment of the Scout Hut to address water damage and improve community sports facilities.

Bath20mphCity, a local campaign group affiliated with 20’s Plenty, is seeking a grant of £37,200 to support the introduction of 20mph speed limits around schools across the BA2 area of Bath.

The project aims to extend 20mph zones to an area of approximately five hundred metres around every school south of the River Avon, bringing BA2 into line with BA1, where the rollout of similar measures is expected to be completed by March 2027. The scheme will involve the installation of roadside signs on existing lamp columns and the painting of 20mph roundels on roads, together with the legal processes required to implement the changes, including Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs).

The proposal is intended to create safer and more attractive streets for residents, particularly children and young people travelling to and from schools. Lower vehicle speeds can improve conditions for walking, wheeling, and cycling, helping to encourage active travel and reduce reliance on car journeys for short trips.

Expected outcomes include reduced road danger, fewer collisions resulting in death or serious injury, and improved safety for children accessing education facilities. The project also aims to reduce traffic noise, improve air quality and create a calmer environment for road users, including professional drivers such as bus operators. By providing more consistent speed limits around schools, the scheme is intended to reduce confusion for drivers and create a more pleasant environment for local communities.

Overall, the project seeks to improve road safety, support healthier travel choices and enhance the quality of life for residents across the BA2 area.

Grant requested: £37,200
Other Contributions: None identified
Purpose: Introduction of 20mph zones around schools throughout the BA2 area of Bath.

Bath Beekeepers Association is seeking a grant of £150,000 to establish a new teaching apiary on Charlcombe Lane, adjacent to Larkhall Sports Centre, Bath. The Association has already invested £30,000 towards the purchase of the site and has contributed around 500 volunteer hours over the past two years preparing and developing the project.

The project will create a modern, accessible facility for beekeeping education, training and community engagement. Bath Beekeepers Association currently operates from an apiary near Newton St Loe, which is difficult to access by public transport and located on a narrow rural road. The new site at Larkhall will be significantly more accessible, being within walking distance of local bus services and existing community facilities.

The teaching apiary will provide a base for a wide range of beekeeping courses and practical learning opportunities for members, schools, community groups and local residents. The facility will also host open days, talks, workshops and public events focused on beekeeping, biodiversity, pollinators and wildlife-friendly gardening.

Located alongside Larkhall Sports Centre, the project will strengthen the area's role as a multi-functional community hub, providing educational, environmental and wellbeing opportunities for a growing local population. The new facility will support outdoor learning, volunteering and community participation while promoting awareness of the important role pollinators play in the environment.

Expected outcomes include increased access to environmental education, enhanced biodiversity awareness, improved community wellbeing through nature-based activities, and stronger social connections. The project will create a lasting community asset that combines learning, volunteering and environmental stewardship for residents across Bath.

Grant requested: £150,000
Other Contributions: £30,000 towards land purchase, plus 500 volunteer hours
Purpose: Creation of a new teaching apiary and community learning facility at Charlcombe Lane, Bath.

Bath BMX Club is seeking a grant of £25,000 to improve facilities at its BMX track at The Tumps, Chelwood Drive, Odd Down, Bath.

The project will deliver a series of improvements designed to increase the usability, accessibility, and attractiveness of the track for both existing members and the wider community. Key elements include the installation of improved drainage to reduce waterlogging and allow the track to remain operational during the winter months, when wet conditions can currently limit use.

The project will also provide a new race control container positioned above the existing start gate container, creating improved facilities for the management of training sessions, competitions, and community events. In addition, electronic timing loops will be installed around the track, enabling accurate timing of races, practice sessions, and open-gate events.

The project will also provide a new race control container positioned above the existing start gate container, creating improved facilities for the management of training sessions, competitions, and community events. In addition, electronic timing loops will be installed around the track, enabling accurate timing of races, practice sessions, and open-gate events.

Expected outcomes include improved year-round access to the facility, reduced disruption from poor weather, increased participation in BMX cycling, and growth in club membership. The project will strengthen the club's role as a community sporting facility, providing more opportunities for people to take part in healthy outdoor activity and develop cycling skills.

Grant requested: £25,000
Other Contributions: None identified
Purpose: Drainage improvements, race control facilities, and electronic timing equipment at Bath BMX Club, Odd Down, Bath.

Bath City FC is seeking a grant of £21,543 to improve accessibility for supporters, visitors and community groups at Twerton Park, Bath (BA2 1DB).

The project will provide permanent, purpose-built accessibility facilities within the stadium, including the installation of a new accessible toilet with baby changing facilities and the replacement of a stepped section of the main viewing terrace with a level wheelchair-accessible viewing platform and portable weather shelter.

Currently, disabled supporters rely on informal arrangements managed by club stewards and volunteers to access suitable viewing areas. The proposed improvements will create a more independent, comfortable, and dignified experience for disabled supporters, players, and visitors, while improving access for families and other community users of the stadium.

Bath City FC plays an important role within the Twerton community and is increasingly used as a venue for community activities and events in addition to football matches. The project aims to ensure that the facilities are inclusive and accessible to a wider range of people, helping the club fulfil its role as a welcoming community asset.

Expected outcomes include improved accessibility and independence for disabled supporters, increased attendance by disabled people and their families, and enhanced use of the venue by community groups. The project will also be supported by a comprehensive accessibility audit, providing evidence to guide future improvements and ensure that accessibility enhancements are targeted and effective.

The proposal builds on a wider programme of volunteer-led improvements at Twerton Park, which has recently seen over £141,000 invested in stadium enhancements alongside more than five hundred hours of volunteer support.

Grant requested: £21,543
Other Contributions: None identified
Purpose: Accessible toilet, baby changing facilities, wheelchair viewing platform, weather shelter, and accessibility improvements at Twerton Park.

Bath Laboratory of Culture (BLOC) is seeking a grant of £20,000 to transform an underused courtyard at Burdall's Yard, Bath (BA1 6RD) into a vibrant, publicly accessible green space that supports community, cultural and environmental activities.

BLOC is a Community Interest Company that operates Burdall's Yard as a cultural and community venue, reinvesting its income into maintaining and developing the site. The proposed project will create a welcoming outdoor space that can be enjoyed by residents, visitors, schools, local organisations, and venue users throughout the year.

The improvements will include new planting, trees, hanging gardens, and wildlife-friendly landscaping designed to increase biodiversity and create a more attractive environment. The project will also help improve climate resilience by reducing the urban heat island effect, providing additional shade, and supporting better management of rainfall within the site.

The enhanced courtyard will provide a flexible space for community gatherings, outdoor learning, cultural events, workshops, and informal social interaction. By improving the quality and accessibility of the space, the project aims to strengthen community connections and increase opportunities for participation in cultural and environmental activities.

Expected outcomes include increased biodiversity, improved environmental sustainability, enhanced wellbeing through greater access to green space, and stronger community cohesion. The project will create a lasting green infrastructure asset in the city, supporting Bath's environmental ambitions while complementing the cultural role of Burdall's Yard.

The project will also be supported by volunteer contributions valued at £2,500, alongside staff time, fundraising and ongoing maintenance provided by BLOC.

Grant requested: £20,000
Other Contributions: £2,500 volunteer support
Purpose: Creation of a publicly accessible green community space at Burdall's Yard, Bath.

Bath Organic Group is seeking a grant of £4,892 to install an off-grid solar photovoltaic and battery storage system at its site close to the Victoria Park, Bath (BA1 2BN).

The project will provide a self-sufficient renewable energy system that operates independently of the national electricity grid. The proposed installation will include solar panels and battery storage equipment to generate and store electricity for use across the site, supporting essential activities such as powering pumps for rainwater harvesting tanks and water storage systems, charging tool batteries, and providing electricity for catering equipment used during community activities.

Bath Organic Group is a long-established community growing project that promotes organic food production, environmental sustainability, and community participation. The proposed investment will strengthen the site's resilience to future climate challenges by supporting sustainable water management and reducing reliance on mains water during periods of extreme heat and drought.

The project aims to maintain and enhance the group's ability to grow a wide range of organic fruit, vegetables, flowers, and other crops while reducing operating costs and carbon emissions. Through its extensive network of volunteers, visitors and local growers, Bath Organic Group will also use the installation as a demonstration project, sharing good practice in renewable energy and sustainable growing through workshops, newsletters, site visits, community events, and online resources.

Expected outcomes include solar-powered self-sufficiency for water management, increased climate resilience, continued provision of a valuable green space that supports physical and mental wellbeing, and greater awareness of renewable energy solutions among local growers and community groups.

Grant requested: £4,892
Other Contributions: None identified
Purpose: Installation of an off-grid solar photovoltaic and battery storage system to support sustainable food growing, water management and community engagement.

Bath Rugby Foundation is seeking a grant of £30,000 to equip its Alternative Learning Hub at North Parade Road, Bath (BA2 4ET), providing enhanced educational and employability support for vulnerable young people. The project has secured £30,000 of match funding through the Big Give Christmas Campaign, including £25,000 in Year 1 and £5,000 in Year 2.

The project will create a high-quality learning environment for young people who are at risk of disengaging from education, employment, and training. Funding will be used to purchase five fully supported laptops, digital learning technology, Functional Skills resources, vocational training equipment, and practical life-skills materials.

The Alternative Learning Hub supports young people facing a range of barriers, including poor attendance, anxiety, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), behavioural challenges, and social disadvantage. The added resources will help learners access qualifications, develop essential digital skills, and build the confidence needed to progress into further education, apprenticeships, or employment.

Access to digital technology is increasingly important for learning, job applications, and training opportunities. The project aims to ensure that young people who may otherwise face barriers to accessing these resources are equipped with the tools and support they need to succeed. Resources will also support careers education, CV writing, work-readiness training, and independent living skills.

Expected outcomes include improved educational attainment, greater digital literacy, increased confidence and independence, and enhanced readiness for employment and further study. By providing targeted support and modern learning resources, the project will help vulnerable young people achieve positive progression outcomes and improve their long-term prospects.

Grant requested: £30,000
Other Contributions: £30,000 (Big Give Christmas Campaign)
Purpose: Digital learning equipment, vocational resources, and life-skills materials for Bath Rugby Foundation's Alternative Learning Hub.

The Canal & River Trust is seeking a grant of £35,000 to complete the final section of towpath improvements between Horseshoe Walk and Pulteney Road (Deep Lock) in Widcombe, Bath.

This project will upgrade the last remaining unimproved section of the Kennet & Avon Canal towpath on a key route linking Bathampton with Bath city centre. The current surface can become muddy, uneven, and difficult to use during wet weather, creating accessibility challenges for pedestrians, wheelchair users, cyclists, and families with pushchairs.

The proposed works will create a safe, accessible, and attractive off-road route that can be used throughout the year. By improving the condition of the towpath, the project will support walking, wheeling, and cycling as practical and sustainable ways of travelling between local communities and key destinations, including schools, shops, and Bath Spa railway station.

The improved route will provide safer access for residents and visitors, including children travelling to local schools, while enhancing opportunities for recreation and active travel. The project has strong community support and aims to encourage more people to choose healthier and more sustainable forms of transport.

Expected outcomes include increased year-round use of the towpath, improved accessibility for a wider range of users, stronger links between communities, and enhanced opportunities for outdoor recreation and wellbeing. The project will also contribute to reducing reliance on car journeys by providing a high-quality active travel route into Bath city centre.

The project will also help complete a continuous accessible route into the city centre, supporting healthier lifestyles, social inclusion and sustainable travel choices for residents and visitors alike.

Grant requested: £35,000
Other Contributions: £40,000 in-kind support from the Canal & River Trust for project management and design, with further funding for towpath surfacing and seating currently being explored.
Purpose: Completion of the final towpath improvements between Horseshoe Walk and Deep Lock, Widcombe, Bath.

Climate Hub Bath is seeking a grant of £9,500 to improve its community venue at The Rotunda, Bath Bus Station, Bath (BA1 1SS). The project will be supported by £2,280 of in-kind contributions from volunteers, trustees, and partner organisations.

The project will enhance Climate Hub Bath's base in the former bus station ticket office, creating a more welcoming, accessible, and interactive community resource in one of Bath's busiest public transport locations. The improvements will include the installation of a large interactive climate information display, expanded library facilities, new furniture, upgraded display boards, QR-code interpretation, and improved internal wayfinding.

The interactive display will connect residents and visitors with practical information about climate change, nature recovery, and sustainable living, while promoting opportunities to get involved with more than eighty local environmental organisations. The project is particularly aimed at engaging younger people and others concerned about climate change by providing accessible information and positive routes into local action.

The enhanced facility will improve access to trusted information, community resources, and environmental opportunities, while creating a more functional venue for drop-in sessions, workshops, meetings, exhibitions, and community engagement activities. Located within Bath Bus Station, the hub benefits from a diverse range of visitors and high footfall, helping to reach a broad cross-section of the community.

Expected outcomes include increased visitor numbers, greater use of the hub's library and information resources, stronger volunteer involvement, improved engagement with environmental organisations, and increased participation in local climate and nature initiatives.

Grant requested: £9,500
Other Contributions: £2,280
Purpose: Improvements to community information, engagement and learning facilities at Climate Hub Bath.

First Steps Bath is seeking a grant of £26,780 to improve the outdoor learning and play environment at Twerton Community Nursery, Woodhouse Road, Twerton, Bath (BA2 1SY).

The project will enhance the nursery's outdoor space by replacing ageing soft-surface flooring with modern, non-slip safety surfacing, installing a new climbing tower and slide to replace outdated equipment, and increasing shaded areas throughout the garden. These improvements are designed to create a safer, more inclusive and stimulating environment where children can play, explore and learn.

Twerton Community Nursery provides early years education and care for local children and families. The outdoor area plays an important role in supporting children's physical development, wellbeing, creativity and confidence through active play and outdoor learning. However, some existing facilities have reached the end of their useful life and require replacement or improvement.

The project aims to provide high-quality outdoor play opportunities for all children, including those from low-income families, ensuring access to enriching experiences that support healthy development. Improved play equipment will encourage active exploration, balance, coordination, resilience, and confidence, while enhanced shading will help create a comfortable and safe environment throughout the year.

Expected outcomes include improved safety through upgraded impact-absorbing surfaces and modern play equipment, increased opportunities for outdoor learning and imaginative play, stronger environmental awareness, and greater engagement with nature. The project will also contribute to community wellbeing by creating an attractive and well-maintained space that fosters a sense of pride, belonging and connection among children, families, and staff.

Grant requested: £26,780
Other Contributions: None Identified
Purpose: Improvements to the outdoor learning and play facilities at Twerton Community Nursery, Bath.

LUX Youth Project is seeking a grant of £74,635 to improve and modernise Roundhill Youth Centre, Mount Road, Southdown, Bath (BA2 1LG). The project will be supported by £7,500 in additional contributions, including £2,500 of volunteer support for decoration works and £5,000 towards the development of a dedicated NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) centre.

Roundhill Youth Centre is a well-established community facility that supports children, young people, and families across Bath. The proposed project will upgrade the building to ensure it remains a safe, accessible, and sustainable community resource capable of meeting growing demand from existing residents and new communities.

The improvements will include enhancements to the main hall, the creation of dedicated mentoring and music spaces, improvements to outdoor areas for sport and gardening activities, and works to improve the overall accessibility, appearance, and functionality of the building. These changes will enable the centre to accommodate more young people and deliver a wider range of activities and support services.

A key element of the project is the creation of a dedicated employability hub for young people who are not in education, employment, or training. The centre will provide employability workshops, barista training, and tailored mentoring, with opportunities to progress into paid employment through LUX Coffee Shops, alongside ongoing support into work, training, or further education.

The project aims to improve opportunities for young people, reduce social isolation, support mental wellbeing, and strengthen community cohesion. It will help secure the long-term future of Roundhill Youth Centre as an important piece of community infrastructure serving Bath's growing population.

Grant requested: £74,635
Other Contributions: £2,500 volunteer support / £5,000 towards the NEET centre
Purpose: Building improvements, youth facilities, employability programmes, and community infrastructure at Roundhill Youth Centre.

More Trees for B&NES (BA2 1RY) is seeking a grant of £20,945 from the CIL Neighbourhood Fund towards a £41,890 project to improve its Central Hub and Community Tree Nursery network. The remaining £20,945 has been secured through the Forestry Commission's Tree Production Capital Grant.

The project will invest in infrastructure that supports the growing, storage, and management of locally sourced trees for community planting projects across Bath and North East Somerset. Proposed improvements include upgraded storage facilities, composting systems, propagation and production infrastructure, biosecurity measures, volunteer facilities, and welfare amenities.

More Trees for B&NES collaborates with local volunteers and communities to grow climate-resilient trees from locally collected seed, helping to increase tree cover and support environmental projects across the area. The improvements will strengthen the organisation's ability to maintain and increase production while providing better facilities for the volunteers who contribute to the programme.

The project aims to create a stronger and more resilient local tree-growing network, improving facilities across both the Central Hub and community nursery sites. Expected outcomes include enhanced working conditions for more than two hundred volunteers, improved storage and propagation capacity, stronger biosecurity arrangements, and increased resilience of the tree nursery network.

The investment will help maintain current production levels of 10,000 to 15,000 trees each year and provide the capacity to grow around 3,000 additional saplings annually. In the longer term, these trees will support community, school, and environmental planting projects, helping to create greener neighbourhoods, improve biodiversity and strengthen local resilience to climate change.

Grant requested: £20,945
Other Contributions: Match funding secured £20,945 (Forestry Commission Tree Production Capital Grant)
Purpose: Improvements to tree-growing, volunteer, and nursery infrastructure across the More Trees for B&NES network.

The Percy Community Centre is seeking a grant of £30,000 to improve and refurbish facilities at its site on New King Street, Bath (BA1 2BN), enhancing accessibility, safety, and community use. The project will be supported by in-kind contributions valued at £4,750, including project management and volunteer time.

The proposed improvements include the installation of a new security gate to improve site safety and security, the provision of a compliant external court fire door and associated safety upgrades, replacement of an outdated and broken accessible toilet and shower, and refurbishment of the centre's annex. Works to the annex will include a new kitchen, replacement heaters, and internal redecoration.

The Percy Community Centre provides facilities for a range of local groups and residents. The project aims to modernise key areas of the building, ensuring that facilities are fit for purpose, easier to maintain and more accessible to people with different needs. The replacement accessible toilet and shower will improve access for current users and help attract new groups to the centre.

Expected outcomes include increased safety and security across the site, reduced maintenance, and operating costs through the installation of modern facilities, and improved accessibility for residents and community organisations. The project will also help prevent unauthorised access, anti-social behaviour, and damage to the site, while improving energy efficiency and supporting local environmental objectives.

Overall, the improvements will strengthen the centre's ability to respond to local needs, expand community use of the facilities, and continue delivering high-quality services for residents.

Grant requested: £30,000
Other Contributions: £4,000 project management and £750 volunteer support
Purpose: Safety, accessibility, energy-efficiency and refurbishment improvements at Percy Community Centre, Bath.

Share and Repair is seeking a grant of £3,000 to expand its Library of Things service and help residents reduce household costs and improve energy efficiency in their homes. The project will also be supported by £4,000 of in-kind contributions through volunteer support and staff time.

The project will fund the purchase of two lockable storage boxes to increase access to shared tools and equipment. One box will be located at the organisation's existing base, while a second will be installed at a new location in Bath, with potential sites identified at New Oriel Hall or Runway East, Kings Court, Parsonage Lane. Both venues have expressed an interest in hosting the facility, helping to make the service available to a wider range of residents.

Two security cameras will also be purchased to protect items stored within the boxes. In addition, the project will expand the range of tools available through Share and Repair's Library of Things. New equipment will include energy-monitoring tools to help residents identify heat loss and energy use within their homes, as well as specialist tools for draught-proofing, insulation improvements, central heating maintenance, and window efficiency checks. A telescopic ladder and task light will also be purchased to support home energy assessments.

The project aims to provide affordable access to equipment through borrowing rather than purchasing, helping residents save money while reducing waste. User guides and volunteer support will help people use the tools confidently, including those undertaking home improvements for the first time.

Expected outcomes include increased borrowing of equipment, improved home energy efficiency, lower household energy costs, and more comfortable homes that are better able to stay warm in winter and cool during periods of hot weather.

Grant requested: £3,000
Other Contributions: £1,000 volunteer support and £3,000 staff time
Purpose: Additional storage facilities, security equipment, and energy-efficiency tools for community borrowing.

Sporting Family Change is seeking funding of £52,745 to improve accessibility and facilities at Hedley Hall, 17 Denmark Rd, Bath BA2 3RE, Westmoreland, Bath.

The project would upgrade the hall to create a more inclusive community space for residents and groups. Proposed works include replacing the existing steps with an access ramp, widening doorways to accommodate wheelchair users, installing an accessible toilet, and refurbishing the kitchen, including associated plumbing, and building works.

Hedley Hall is currently used by a range of community groups, including Bath Aikido, Wellness Yoga, Bath Freestyle Martial Arts, a Buddhist Meditation Group, and Spinal Flow Therapy. However, the building is not currently accessible to wheelchair users and presents difficulties for people with pushchairs and other mobility needs. As a result, some groups have been unable to use the facility.

The proposed improvements aim to remove these barriers and ensure the building can be accessed and enjoyed by a wider range of people within the community. Sporting Family Change advises that several additional community groups have expressed an interest in using the hall but are currently unable to do so because of the building's limitations.

If funded, the project would provide a fully accessible community venue that could support increased use by local organisations, activities, and residents, helping to create a more inclusive and welcoming facility for the wider community.

Grant requested: £52,745
Other Contributions: None Identified
Purpose: Accessibility improvements and refurbishment work at Hedley Hall, Denmark Road, Westmoreland, Bath.

The Urban Garden Bath CIC is seeking a grant of £100,000 towards a project with an overall value of approximately £161,000 to enhance its community facilities at Marlborough Buildings, Bath (BA1 2LZ). The proposal is subject to planning permission.

The Urban Garden is a community-focused social enterprise that provides free horticultural training, work placements, and volunteering opportunities, while growing and selling plants onsite. The project would replace an existing storage building with a new L-shaped timber-framed facility comprising a training and volunteer cabin, a retail shop, and a café kiosk, together with a covered outdoor canopy for events and growing activities.

The largest part of the new building would be used to deliver year-round horticultural training courses in partnership with Bath City Farm, supporting vulnerable adults, people seeking employment opportunities and local volunteers. The space would also be available for workshops, community activities, meetings and use by local groups, including Grow for Life and the council's Parks team.

The project aims to improve training opportunities, increase volunteer support, and strengthen the organisation's financial sustainability. The new shop would provide additional space to sell plants, gifts, and products from local artists, while the café kiosk would offer refreshments to visitors, residents, and park users.

Expected outcomes include accredited horticultural training for around thirty adults each year, work placements for fourteen people, progression into employment or further education for participants, community workshops for over one hundred people annually, improved volunteer facilities, and increased community engagement. The project would also provide a flexible community space that can be used throughout the year.

Grant requested: £100,000
Other Contributions: £61,000
Purpose: Construction of a new training, volunteer, retail and café facility at The Urban Garden, Bath.

Your Park Bristol and Bath are seeking a grant of £80,040 to improve accessibility at Weston Recreation Ground BA1 4DY. The project will also be supported by approximately 1,600 volunteer hours per year contributed by residents and partners.

Weston Recreation Ground currently has accessibility barriers that can make it difficult for disabled people and carers to access and enjoy the park independently. Working in partnership with residents, Active Weston, Friends of Weston Recreation Ground, Sensory Trust UK and Bath & North East Somerset Council, the project aims to make the park more inclusive and welcoming for everyone.

The proposed improvements include the installation of six accessible benches throughout the park, new entrance information boards, the creation of a sensory garden, and a topographical and flood risk survey of the park's pathways to inform future accessibility improvements to path surfaces. The project has been developed with disabled people and carers, helping to ensure that the improvements reflect the needs and experiences of those who use the park.

The project aims to remove barriers relating to seating, information, and access, enabling more residents to visit the park independently and with confidence. Expected outcomes include increased use of the park, improved health and wellbeing, stronger community involvement through volunteering, and enhanced biodiversity through wildlife-friendly and pollinator-friendly planting.

The project also seeks to create a model for accessible park improvements that could be applied to other parks and green spaces across Bath and North East Somerset in the future.

Grant requested: £80,040
Other Contributions: Approximately 1,600 volunteer hours per year
Purpose: Accessibility and environmental improvements at Weston Recreation Ground, Bath.

Youth Connect South West is seeking a grant of £30,000 towards improvements to Southside Youth Hub in Twerton, Bath. The organisation will contribute a further £10,000 towards the project.

The project aims to enhance Southside Youth Hub as a valuable community resource for residents, particularly families living in Whiteway, Twerton and neighbouring communities. Funding will be used to repair and reopen the hub's soft play area, creating a free, safe, and accessible space where young children and their families can play, meet and connect.

The project also includes the redevelopment of the existing café area to provide additional meeting and consultation rooms. These flexible spaces will be available for community organisations, partner agencies, and public services to deliver local support, advice, health and wellbeing services, and family support activities.

The proposed improvements are intended to increase community use of the building and strengthen local community infrastructure. Reopening the soft play area will provide greater access to free play opportunities for children, encourage families to make greater use of the hub, and help reduce social isolation by creating opportunities for social interaction and community connection.

Overall, the project aims to increase community participation, strengthen partnership working between organisations, and improve access to services for residents.

Grant requested: £30,000
Other Contributions: Funds from applicant: £10,000
Purpose: Improvements to Southside Youth Hub, including reopening the soft play area and creating additional community meeting and consultation space.