The funding will be used to invest in local priorities that support the national themes of communities and place, support for local businesses, and people and skills.
Following a successful bid, Southampton City Council has been awarded £1.54m from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
The funding will be used to deliver projects that aim to build pride in place and improve life chances. The total funding of £2.6 billion across the UK over three years is designed to replace former EU funding streams.
Some of the projects that the funding will deliver in Southampton include:
• Creating a welcoming cultural destination for visitors and communities, including new itineraries and experiences, by building on the legacy of Southampton’s UK City of Culture bid and the city’s unique heritage.
• Enabling a Community Grants Scheme for local third sector providers to identify impactful interventions that require limited funding.
• Building on the council’s existing Access Southampton project, which supports residents to overcome barriers into work by providing cohesive, locally tailored support, including access to basic skills.
• Enhancing the council’s GROW Business initiative across all sectors and phases of the business lifecycle by providing solutions and training that help businesses with digital, leadership, and net zero.
• Additional support to complement the new British Library sponsored Business and IP Centre (BIPC). Housed on the first floor of Southampton Central Library, this enterprise hub helps entrepreneurs start or grow their businesses, projects, or ideas. It was formed in partnership with Southampton City Council and The British Library in 2022.
• Installing CCTV units at key sites across Southampton to improve enforcement in waste removal and fly-tipping across neighbourhoods.
Councillor Sarah Bogle, Cabinet Member for Economic Development said:
“Growing our local economy and bringing investment into our city and cultural spaces is a huge focus for the council, and so I fully support all funding that is targeted towards this ambition. This funding will elevate our existing work across culture, business, skills, and employment, ensuring we continue to offer opportunities for all Southampton residents, communities, visitors, and businesses. We are determined to ensure we get as much value and impact out of this funding as possible.”
For more information on support available to grow your business or support your career and skills visit www.southampton.gov.uk/grow
