Kingston First, the town centre’s Business Improvement District (BID), has awarded £15,000 of funding to three innovative projects that will have a positive impact on Kingston town centre and its local business and communities.
£2950 to support night-time economy and community safety
The funding will go towards training new Street Pastors and the provision of additional volunteers every Saturday night.
Co-ordinator of the Street Pastors, Charles Bamford, said:
“We are delighted to have been chosen to receive support from the Town Centre Community Fund. Thank you to all at Kingston First and all your members for supporting our work through this grant which will enable us to increase the number of nights that we can deploy volunteers in Kingston’s night time economy to care, listen and help, providing support to all users of the town centre and particularly those who are vulnerable.”
£2550 funding towards celebrating Kingston’s rich heritage
The Seven Saxon Kings Embroidery Project will feature seven newly commissioned embroidery panels depicting the kings believed to have been crowned in Kingston set to be installed in the historic All Saints Church by Summer 2025, commemorating the 1100th anniversary of King Athelstan’s coronation. The funding will contribute to raising awareness of Kingston’s historical significance helping to position the town as a premier destination for history and heritage.
Kate Shrimpton, Communications Manager at All Saints Church, said,
“We are thrilled to be receiving this grant. It will help us make a promotional video for our prestigious Saxon Kings Embroidery project. We hope this will generate lots of interest and provide yet another reason to visit our amazing town.”
£9500 funding towards activating Kingston Riverside in July
Organised by local arts charity Creative Youth, RIVERFEST, a new festival will transform the riverside with theatre performances, workshops, music, and visual art installations over 10 days.
Dan Cartlidge, Co-Director of Creative Youth, said:
“Creative Youth are excited to begin working on RIVERFEST, having been recipients of the first Kingston First Community Fund. Together with local businesses, creative practitioners and young people, we will enliven Kingston’s riverside this summer, as part of the annual FUSE International festival. RIVERFEST will feature visual art, music, performance and more, offering people a range of free arts activities to get involved with. Situated outside our new multiarts space, FUSEBOX, these activities will engage the local community, whilst simultaneously celebrating the breadth of businesses along Kingston’s riverside. We are delighted to accept Kingston First’s generous support and use this to animate our riverside in a way which benefits the whole community. “
Shareena Merzi, Director of Communications and Corporate Development at Kingston First, said,
“We’ve received many outstanding applications to our inaugural Community Fund, highlighting the community’s dedication to supporting the town centre and local businesses. The successful projects will enhance Kingston’s reputation as a destination for history and heritage, support the night-time economy workers and visitors, and animate our much-loved riverside. I am looking forward to these being delivered over the next few months and growing this project in future.”
The response to Kingston Town Centre’s Community Fund received over 20 applications collectively requesting almost £200,000. Kingston First hopes to continue growing the Community Fund in the coming years, further empowering local businesses and organisations to bring new and exciting initiatives and services that support the town centre.
For more information about the Town Centre Community Fund and Kingston First, please visit www.kingstonfirst.co.uk
About Kingston Town Centre Community Fund
The Kingston First Town Centre Community Fund has been created by Kingston First, the town’s business improvement district. The Fund was a £15,000 package of funding for projects and initiatives that could demonstrate a positive impact on the town centre, support local businesses and promote positive community engagement. Local and community organisations as well as individuals had the opportunity to apply for all or part of the funding from the end of October to the end of January 2024 through an application process. The year’s fund is a pilot scheme and it is hoped the fund will grow in future years.
About Kingston First:
As the UK’s first Business Improvement District (BID), Kingston First has been driving initiatives to support the commercial success of the business community in Kingston since 2005. They deliver exceptional services that ensure Kingston is a thriving and attractive environment to do business in, as well as a vibrant and exciting destination for people to visit, shop, learn, live and work in. For more information visit: www.kingstonfirst.co.uk
Check out our website for Kingston upon Thames, showcasing the best of our town with insider guides, events, news, offers and more: www.kingstonuponthames.info
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For more information or to arrange any interviews with Kingston First please contact shareena.merzi@kingstonfirst.co.uk
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