A new fund to help community organisations in Coatbridge progress proposals to bring empty and underused buildings, facilities and spaces back into use has been unveiled by the Coatbridge Neighbourhood Board.

The Project Catalyst Fund has been set up through the UK Government’s Pride in Place Programme for Coatbridge and will back the initial stages of project development so that promising ideas can be moved towards delivery.

Many initiatives never get off the ground because the studies and professional expertise required to unlock delivery funding are costly. The fund is designed to tackle that barrier in Coatbridge and will support a range of project development activities.

Its aim is to help groups shape strong, deliverable projects that improve local places and contribute to the town’s long-term regeneration.

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Gavin Whitefield, Chair of Coatbridge Neighbourhood Board, said: "We know there are many great ideas across Coatbridge that have the potential to make a real difference to local communities, but often community groups need support to develop those ideas into projects so that they are ready to secure major investment and be delivered.

"The Project Catalyst Fund has been designed to provide that support. By helping organisations undertake the development work needed to build strong projects, we can create a pipeline of opportunities that contribute to the long-term regeneration of the town and help bring vacant and underused places and spaces back into beneficial use.

"We look forward to receiving applications and supporting organisations to take the next step in developing their projects."

Applications will follow a two-step process: organisations first submit an expression of interest, after which eligible proposals will be invited to make a full application.

Details on eligibility, guidance and supporting documents are available at the council’s website: www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/your-community/community-grants-and-awards/coatbridge-pride-place-project-catalyst-fund-202627.