A significant new funding announcement has just landed for anyone running a business, charity, or community project in Cheshire or Warrington — and it’s worth getting ahead of.
What’s happened?
Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority has approved £3 million in funding to back culture, high streets and communities, as part of a multi-million pound pipeline designed to unlock growth and attract future investment. “thecheshireconcierge“
The funding is earmarked to provide investment in town centres, cultural activity and community assets, as part of a pledge to engage with local communities and ensure residents and businesses benefit from devolution. “Untitled“
Where is the money coming from?
This is genuinely big picture stuff. Cheshire and Warrington will receive a £21.7 million a year mayoral investment fund — £650 million over 30 years — as part of the government’s devolution programme. The £3 million approved this month is the first tranche of that much larger settlement. Find a Grant
Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority, said the investment, with funding secured from Westminster, will celebrate communities and back local culture and places. Cotswoldsconcierge
What will it actually fund?
The projects are likely to support cultural events, upgrades to vacant town centre shops and premises, transport improvements, plans to boost high street footfall, and funding to breathe new life into much loved visitor attractions.
If you run a business on a struggling high street, manage a community venue, or are involved in local cultural activity anywhere across Cheshire East, Cheshire West & Chester, or Warrington — this is worth watching closely.
When can you apply?
The community projects and places to benefit will be confirmed in the Autumn following a robust appraisal process.
There’s no application process open yet. This page will be updated the moment further details are announced — so bookmark it or join our email list below to be notified the moment applications open.
Why this matters beyond the £3 million
CWCA leaders have described this as the first step in building a long-term investment platform for the region, using Cheshire and Warrington’s £650 million, 30-year Mayoral Investment Fund settlement to create the conditions for economic growth and strengthen local places.
In plain English — this is the beginning of a three-decade funding pipeline for the region. Businesses and community groups who build relationships with the Combined Authority early are likely to be well positioned as further opportunities open up.
Want to be first to know when applications open?
Join the NW Funding Radar — we’re tracking this fund closely and will alert you the moment the appraisal process opens for applications this autumn.