Improvements to a popular Essex park, investment in a catering firm, and relocation of a community space are among the projects benefitting from a funding boost of more than £1.4 million.

Maldon District Council received more than £1 million from the Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund, as well as £430,640 from the Rural England Prosperity Fund.

The Prosperity Fund aims to provide £2.6 billion of new funding for local investment nationally by March 2025. It aims to "Level Up" areas by building pride, supporting high skills training and improving life chances.

New council documents reveal how the council has used the funding, including the 38 projects and investments.

The Government says the funding is to "restore a sense of community, local pride and belonging, especially in those places where they have been lost" and "empower local leaders and communities, especially in those places lacking local agency."

Maldon Market was given nearly £27,000 to start back up again and increase local business engagement, and the Maldon Mobile Community Supermarket received £32,000 for a successful trial and a van purchase.

The Mid Essex Alliance was given money to fund five projects through the One Maldon District Partnership. Projects are summarised as BoxSmart On The Ropes and Girls Inspired Courses, Mental Health counselling and toolkit training for secondary school children, Walking Football, Men's Health Project and Maldon Pioneers in the Dengie.

Men's Shed, in Maldon, has been given £143,0000 for relocation. The shed provides a wellbeing and mental health space to men experiencing loneliness or in need of community.

A contractor was successfully appointed for the move, and physical works are due to start in February 2025.

The new Burnham Pontoon received a total of £135,000, and Maldon's Promenade Park received a boost of £110,000 for accessible play areas and a sensory garden. 

Beat The Street, the fun interactive game which aimed to get local schoolchildren active, cost £12,000 to implement.

Maldon Council's Performance, Governance and Audit Committee will discuss the funding and projects at a meeting on January 16.

The documents state: "UKSPF and REPF continue to present a significant opportunity for the district to support, through direct investment, in our economy, businesses and communities. 

"The primary goal of the UKSPF is to build pride in place and increase life chances across the UK. This aligns to the 'Promote civic pride in place and improve environmental quality' aspect of this priority."

Richard Siddall, Leader of Maldon District Council, said: "I am delighted that the Government have confirmed a further UKSPF allocation for the Maldon District. 

"The UKSPF funding has made a real difference to the district and having a continuation of this fund gives the council more opportunities to deliver a range of projects across the Maldon District for the benefit of our residents, visitors and businesses.  

"I look forward to sharing further details about the new projects in March."