Back in early 2024, we shared a survey to gather data about the social impact of our work as we prepared for a funding bid to purchase our building: 57-59 Club Garden Road, after our landlord quite unexpectedly told us they planned to sell the building.

We are thrilled to announce that we are in the process of finalising a grant of £250,000 from the Community Ownership Fund, enabling the purchase of the building that has been at the heart of our operations for the past decade. This funding will help solidify the future of Regather’s community-based initiatives in Sheffield, ensuring the building’s continued use and preservation as a space for local collaboration, sustainability, and creativity.

We still need a top-up loan to cover the full costs of the building, legal fees and roof repairs. But we are making good progress and should get this all signed off very soon. 

The bid follows a long and challenging journey, which began in Spring 2024. With the support of over 1,000 local community members, Regather submitted a comprehensive funding application to the then Levelling Up Department of the Conservative Government. However, due to a snap general election, the assessment of the application was delayed for several months. Despite the political uncertainty, Regather persisted and, at the end of 2024, received the positive news from the Community Ownership Fund.

We are absolutely delighted to have received positive news from the Community Ownership Fund. It is a testament to the strength of the Sheffield community and the power of collective action. This funding will not only secure the future of our building but also reinforce Regather’s role as a community anchor in Sheffield, providing a permanent space for local activities and initiatives that promote sustainability, creativity, and social justice.

Regather plans to continue growing its work with this new stability, creating opportunities for local people to get involved in projects that make a difference in their community. The team is excited about the next chapter and the possibilities this funding unlocks for further community-led initiatives in Sheffield.