£100,000 of grants for Weymouth's Tumbledown

The cash will go towards upgrades for the Radipole farm

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 2nd Nov 2023

£100,000 worth of grants have been awarded to Weymouth's Tumbledown, to improve facilities at the farm.

The Town Council's secured funding for a new classroom, accessible toilets and a teaching kitchen there.

They've said that will 'directly benefit people accessing opportunities' at the Radipole site.

£85,000 has been given to the project from Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS), who provide funding for community projects

A further £15,000 has come from Dorset Council’s Capital Leverage Fund, which supports improving facilities for local communities and residents.

Cllr Ryan Hope, Chair of Environment and Services Committee at Weymouth Town Council, said:

“I’m thrilled for everyone who is part of Tumbledown and for those who will directly benefit from accessing opportunities at the former farm. The funding will allow Weymouth Town Council to offer a wider range of activities and learning experiences and provide a more comfortable environment for people who come along to this inspiring and nurturing place.

“As well as benefitting people, it will benefit the planet as the building will include solar panels, rainwater capture and high levels of insulation to make it as sustainable as possible.”

Paul Brennan, Site Director at the NRS site at Winfrith, said:

“We are really pleased to be able to partner with others to create this new modern, weatherproof facility that will help Tumbledown increase and improve its offer. This project will create a more inclusive and welcoming place for everyone who works there, visit, come to learn, or volunteer; there will be much more to offer and enjoy. NRS is looking forward to the work being completed next year and seeing the benefits it will bring, to the community we are involved with. This project fits well with our criteria and our commitment to sustainability.”

The design of the new facilities will be finalised over the winter, with the aim of construction taking place in the spring and summer of 2024.

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