Colchester City Council is encouraging rural businesses, community organisations and social enterprises to apply for the latest round of capital funding from the Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF).
A total of £159,000 is available for 2025/26 to support rural economic growth, environmental sustainability, and community resilience. Applications are now open and will close on Monday 14 July 2025.
The funding supports capital investment in rural areas – including funding for farm diversification, business innovation and improvements to community infrastructure. A range of inspirational case studies is available on the Council’s website to help applicants understand what’s possible.
The REPF was first launched in 2023 with an allocation of £500,000 for a period of two years. That earlier funding enabled the delivery of 16 successful projects across villages such as Marks Tey, Peldon, Wivenhoe, West Bergholt, Layer Marney and Mersea Island.
Among the most impactful was Freedom Boat Adventures in Mersea, which is launching the South East’s first fully accessible boat, enabling people with disabilities to enjoy life at sea alongside local volunteers. In Marks Tey, the Swim2Swim facility installed solar panels and heat pumps, reducing carbon emissions and energy costs while safeguarding jobs and enabling more frequent use by schools and families.
Meanwhile, Little Doves Nursery in Peldon used REPF funding to expand, creating 23 new childcare places and seven jobs, helping parents return to work. Several village halls also upgraded their facilities with solar panels, battery storage and insulation, which reduced running costs and increased winter usage. In Wivenhoe, two new e-cargo bikes were introduced for hire, and in Mersea, a new boardwalk aims to improve access to the beach for people of all abilities, enhancing visitor experience and inclusivity.
These examples demonstrate the transformative potential of REPF investment and the long-term value it brings to local economies and rural quality of life.
Cllr Chris Pearson, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Transformation, said: “It’s fantastic to see how the previous round of funding has helped rural communities and businesses across Colchester to grow, diversify and reduce their environmental impact. From improved community spaces to innovative business developments, the results speak for themselves. I’m excited to see what ideas come forward in this new round and encourage anyone with a project that could make a difference in their village or local business to apply.”
The REPF is part of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda, delivered locally alongside the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Levelling Up Fund (LUF). While the earlier rounds of REPF brought in over £500,000 for rural development in Colchester, this new one-year round reflects updated national priorities, and with a shorter funding window, applicants are encouraged to act quickly.
Full details on eligibility, the application process, and project inspiration can be found on the Council’s website: www.colchester.gov.uk/levelling-up/rural-england-prosperity-fund/
Page last reviewed: 25 June 2025