Community assets in Warsop are set to be transformed while a wellbeing hub will be developed in Sutton-in-Ashfield thanks to funding from the Mayor of the East Midlands.
Mayor Claire Ward has awarded £252,868 to Warsop Parish Council for Future Warsop from her £3 million Community Development Fund, alongside £228,634 to Academy Transformation Trust Further Education (ATTFE) in Sutton-in-Ashfield, for Let’s Go Leamington.
Future Warsop will invest “in key facilities for young people, a park for families and people of all ages, and a flexible resource for grassroots community activity” in Market Warsop, while in Sutton-in-Ashfield, the funding will be used to develop a “vibrant hub for wellbeing” at Willets Court Community Centre, Leamington.
Leamington and Market Warsop are two of 10 neighbourhoods across the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) area chosen for investment after being identified as facing high levels of disadvantage and having fewer local community and voluntary organisations than other areas.
Mayor Claire said: “I’m incredibly proud to see this funding going directly into the heart of communities that deserve it most. Local people know their neighbourhoods better than anyone and these projects show exactly what can be achieved when we back their ideas and ambitions.
“From creating safe spaces for young people in Warsop to developing a welcoming hub for wellbeing in Leamington, this investment will make a real and lasting difference to people’s lives.
“By supporting projects like these, we’re building stronger, healthier neighbourhoods, boosting pride in place and ensuring everyone across our region has the chance to share in its future.”
Community-led schemes in the key areas have now each been awarded up to £300,000 to support projects designed to build skills, strengthen resilience and help residents shape the future of their own neighbourhoods.
In Market Warsop, about a third of the funding will support Target 1 to replace the roof of “The Shed”, described in the funding application as “a key community asset and home to a successful and highly-regarded youth club”.
Councillor Nadine McGuiness, Warsop Parish Council chair, said: “Words cannot describe what this funding means for our community. Warsop Parish Council is delighted with this vital investment into Market Warsop, which will positively impact many local lives. Thank you Mayor Claire, for supporting our community’s bright future.”
In its application, the council said: “The Future Warsop project will provide visible and tangible benefits to our community over the next three years.”
The council’s plans include more than 300 new youth club sessions for young people over three years, as well as more than 3,000 people accessing improved park recreational facilities.
It is hoped the schemes will deliver improved mental and physical wellbeing for people of all ages, including “reduced social isolation, reduced anti-social behaviour, new local friendships developed and, above all a safer, more respectful, engaged and energised community”.
In Leamington, the plans for Willets Court include Wi-Fi and “much-needed cosmetic upgrades to create a welcoming space”.
Simon Martin, ATTFE executive leader, said: “We are delighted that ATTFE, ADC and key community-facing partners have this opportunity to improve life opportunities on the Leamington Estate. The EMCCA funds will enhance the great work that has already started with the Leamington Partnership and local residents.”
To improve communication in Leamington, two new noticeboards will be installed in high footfall areas, while Disability Nottinghamshire will be invited to provide weekly outreach to support residents with disabilities and long-term health conditions.
In its application, ATTFE said: “We will turn the community centre into a vibrant hub for wellbeing through resident-led services and activities.”
Plans include awarding eight grants of £1,000 for organisations to work in Leamington, supporting at least 65 households and engaging at least 300 residents in project activities.
For further information about awards across the rest of the EMCCA region, see https://shorturl.at/IlLUX
Published on: 7 April 2026
Categories: News, Economic Development