Moray MP Douglas Ross says it is “terrific” that Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Budget has delivered £300,000 worth of funding to help the Forres Town Hall regeneration project.
Douglas has hailed the “significant funding” which is being provided through the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund and says it is a “real shot in the arm” for the plans being developed by Forres Area Community Trust.
Douglas, who has backed the Trust’s regeneration project since it was first unveiled praised the work of local campaigners for getting it to this stage and ensuring that it was successful in receiving a six-figure sum from the UK Government.
The news has also been welcomed by local councillor and Leader of Moray Council Kathleen Robertson who says it is a “massive boost” for the town and one that will help to move the project forward.
The total estimates for the regeneration project have been set at £3.4 million, meaning the UK Government have stepped up to provide almost ten per cent of what will be required to ensure Forres Town Hall remains a major community asset for generations to come.
Douglas says that alongside Kathleen they will continue to support the Trust to see progress on the project and to assist in any way they can to deliver further sources of funding.
He added that the Community Ownership Fund is “proof” of the UK Government’s Levelling Up Agenda in action and he is delighted that a major community project in Moray has been recognised by the Chancellor.
Moray MP Douglas Ross said: “This is terrific news for Forres and the Town Hall regeneration project. Jeremy Hunt and the UK Government have stepped up and delivered significant funding for this major community project.
“The tireless work by the Forres Area Community Trust has brought this project to a point where they were ultimately successful in getting the green light from the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund.
“The Town Hall is an iconic part of Forres and the plans by the Trust will ensure that remains the case for future generations. The building right now is in urgent need of upgrading so this £300,000 funding award is a real shot in the arm for these plans.
“I have been proud to be a backer of these plans from the start, as someone who has used the hall for many years.
“I will continue to work closely with the Trust to secure other sources of funding and it is wonderful to see further proof of the UK Government’s Levelling Up Agenda in action and that a project in the heart of Moray has been recognised by the Chancellor.”
Forres Conservative Councillor and Moray Council Leader Kathleen Robertson said: “This is a massive boost for Forres from the UK Government. I know how hard the Forres Area Community Trust have been working to secure sources of funding and now the Chancellor has delivered a huge investment for them at the heart of his Budget.
“The plans for the Town Hall are ambitious and wide-ranging and will make the building fit for purpose in the 21st century and a vibrant and modern asset for the area.
“This six-figure funding boost will help move those plans forward significantly. As the local councillor as well as the leader of the council, I am committed to working closely with the Trust to secure further such sources of funding, considering over £3 million is required to make them a reality.
“I hope that the SNP government and other organisations will follow suit in supporting the Trust in their bid in the way the UK Government have done in today’s Budget.”
