New grant offers significant funding for sporting opportunities across Mid Suffolk

14/04/25

Sporting infrastructure in Mid Suffolk is set for an overhaul thanks to a new grant offering significant investment in major projects.

The Community Sports Infrastructure Grant has set aside £750,000 of the council’s General Fund budget for the current financial year in order to support the development of new facilities or fund essential upgrades.

With Stowmarket already benefitting from a wide programme of sporting investment – including a new pavilion, cricket nets, 3G pitch, mini athletics track and pitch improvements – this new grant specifically focusses on projects outside of the town, ensuring that sporting opportunities are spread out across the whole district.

Applications can be made by constituted VCFSE (voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise) organisations for sums of at least £20,000 and up to £250,000, allowing for the prioritisation of large-scale projects.

Eligible projects might include, but are not limited to upgrading, extending or building sports facilities, installing floodlights, the design and/or planning costs for new facilities, general delivery costs, development of accessible activities at new or existing facilities, and the development of green spaces or pitches for the purpose of physical activity.

Cllr Tim Weller, Mid Suffolk District Council cabinet member for environment, culture and wellbeing, said:

“The health and wellbeing of our district is a top priority for us and we know how important it is for people to have access to the appropriate facilities and opportunities.

“With multiple exciting projects already underway in Stowmarket, we wanted to make sure that funding is also spread across the whole of Mid Suffolk, so now organisations have the chance to apply for significant amounts of money and help level up our sporting infrastructure.

“If you belong to an organisation that has big plans for a sporting project, please get in touch and find out if this funding is right for you.”

The grant window opens on Monday, 28 April. To find out more information about the Community Sports Infrastructure Fund, visit the ‘community funding’ page of the Mid Suffolk website.