Community
Laganside was responsible for the comprehensive regeneration of the “Laganside Designated Area” (see Laganside map). It instigated and facilitated rapid and relatively large-scale change. Whilst it was of city and province-wide significance, it also impacted directly upon its surrounding communities.
Laganside recognised that such change could only happen successfully if accompanied by a community strategy aimed at paving the way for change, enabling local people to influence and seize opportunities arising from the developments. Although the Corporation was primarily concerned with physical regeneration, its integrated approach recognised the importance of the economic, social and regional cohesion aspects of regeneration.
Laganside operated a Community Grant Scheme which aimed to support initiatives that addressed the needs of and provide benefit to the “Laganside Local Community”.
There were two grants operating under the scheme namely:
The Laganside Community Led Regeneration Grant
Under the Laganside Community Led Regeneration Grant, applicants were able to secure funding of up to £50,000 for a wide range of projects including needs assessments, feasibility studies, employability initiatives, community, environmental and amenity improvement projects and initiatives that encourage the safe use of the River Lagan. During the duration of the programme 100 potential projects were discussed with the team. 54 applications were received and assessed with 46 being successful.
The Laganside Community Activity Grant
Under the Laganside Community Activity Grant, applicants were able to secure funding of up to £300 for activities being held in the Laganside designated area. During the duration of the programme 102 applications were received and assessed with 90 being successful.
In conclusion, Laganside strove to develop its designated area with a strong commitment to the principles of equality, human rights, cultural diversity, targeting social needs and partnership, thus creating an environment in which the “Laganside Local Community” could have a better quality of life and realise its full potential. The Community Strategy was based on these principles and the Laganside Corporate Plan 2004-2007.
You can apply for a Laganside Activity Grant from the Department for Social Development (DSD), please follow this link for further information http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/laganside |
