MPs and Luton Council urge community groups to apply for share of £480,000 Pride in Place fund

The Community Venue and Spaces Improvement Fund is part of the £1.5 million secured for the town by Luton’s two MPs, Sarah Owen and Rachel Hopkins, as part of the Government’s Pride in Place programme.

Hundreds of residents fed into the MPs’ survey at the end of 2025, which led to this new local fund.

Eligible organisations across Luton can bid for grants of between £1,000 and £30,000 for projects that will make a lasting difference to community buildings and spaces.

Grants can be used for a wide range of capital projects, including refurbishing community venues, improving sports and cultural facilities, creating or enhancing community gardens and play areas, or helping organisations to take ownership of disused assets.

Applications are open now and must be submitted by Friday 31 July. Successful projects must be completed by 31 March 2027.

Councillor Tahmina Saleem, Leader of Luton Council, said: “Our communities are full of people who care deeply about where they live and want to see a positive difference in their neighbourhoods, and this funding is a fantastic opportunity to translate ambitions into reality.

"Whether it's giving a tired set of railings a lick of paint, upgrading a community hall, enhancing a green space, refreshing facilities or creating a public space that brings people together, these grants can help unleash our communities’ passion for place and to deliver legacy projects for all our local residents."

Sarah Owen, MP for Luton North, said: “The Community Venue and Spaces Improvement Fund comes straight from local residents’ recommendations, after securing £1.5 million in investment from the Government’s Pride in Place funding.

“This investment in local organisations, sports clubs, community centres and other crucial public goods will make Luton a more connected and enjoyable place to live.

“This fund is just one of many new initiatives coming down the line after this Government announced new funding packages for towns like ours. I’m proud to have secured this cash, and I look forward to local residents using it to improve the area we love.”

Rachel Hopkins, MP for Luton South and South Bedfordshire, said: “I’m delighted that, as part of the £1.5 million Pride in Place Impact Fund secured for Luton by myself and Sarah Owen MP, Luton Council has launched the Community Venue and Spaces Improvement Fund.

“Investing in the places at the heart of our communities, so they can continue bringing people together and serving local residents for years to come, is at the heart of what the Government’s Pride in Place programme represents.

“I encourage all community organisations, big or small, to make an application.”

Full eligibility criteria, guidance on what the funding can be used for and details of how to apply are available on the council's website.