Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority announces the first six Opportunity Fund grants recipients.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority announces the first six Opportunity Fund grants recipients.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority announce (Thursday 7^th August) the six confirmed public sector and community organisations that have successfully secured funding through the Opportunity Fund.

This funding initiative is designed to empower local projects that drive meaningful impact, with grants ranging from £50,000 to £150,000 – each focused on strengthening community resilience and enhance the lives of residents across the region.

Additional funding announcements are anticipated in the coming weeks, subject to final confirmation.

The successfully confirmed recipients and their project focuses are:

• Wildlife Trust – awarded £116,670 to install five tilting weirs, enabling the restoration of degraded peatland and the creation of new wetland habitat. This project will play a key role in safeguarding local ecosystems and enhancing bio across the region.
• Wysing Arts Centre – received £95,762 to improve their water management systems and enhance biodiversity.
• Nene Park Trust -awarded £64,460 to restore flood meadows, which will improve natural water retention, boost biodiversity and enhance public access to nature.
• Burwell Community Sports Centre – granted £148,500 to upgrade their energy efficiency, including solar panels, insulation, heat pumps, air conditioning and electric vehicle charging stations – all aimed at lowering operational costs and supporting the centre’s role as a sustainable community hub.
• Buckden Rec and Village Trust – received £130,000 to introduce green walls for improved air quality and insulation, as well as innovative rainwater management systems to boost climate resilience and reduce environmental impact.
• Project Abundance CIC – granted £110,000 to develop composting facilities, including equipment purchases, training programmes and volunteering opportunities.

Additional announcements of successful funding are anticipated in the coming weeks, subject to final confirmation.

These projects represent a diverse range of innovations and improvements aimed at boosting sustainability, resilience, and community well-being across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said

“With support from the Combined Authority grant, we’re revitalising community spaces, upgrading local facilities and reinforcing our commitment to building connected, empowered and resilient communities through meaningful collaboration.”