A GROUP of Ulverstonians are elated after receiving £300k towards purchasing an iconic town building.

The Roxy Collective has received confirmation that their ‘Future of The Roxy’ bid to the Government’s Community Ownership Fund has been successful, and the group has been awarded a grant of £300,000 towards the purchase and renovation of Ulverston’s iconic Roxy building.

The Roxy Collective is a group of people from Ulverston that aim to band together to take ownership of the iconic town cinema, museum and gym. 

The group has been raising funds for the project for the past eight months, a campaign which has seen an outpouring of support from the community plus a hugely successful Crowdfunder which raised over 150 per cent of its original target.

Suzy Garnett, chair of The Roxy Collective said: "We are thrilled to have been awarded this grant from the Government's Community Ownership Fund and are very excited for the future of The Roxy. The grant allows us to secure the building for future generations and bring it back to its former glory.

“We are incredibly grateful to all who have supported this project. The Crowdfunder campaign in April was key in showing just how important the Roxy is to Ulverston, so once again we’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has donated, supported, and volunteered with us these past few months.

“You’ve really made all the difference and we will be holding our next community drop-in event early in the new year, where you will all be welcome to come along, speak to members of the committee, see more of our plans, and share your own thoughts and ideas for The Future of The Roxy."

Simon Fell, MP for Barrow and Furness, said: “I’m delighted that The Roxy is to receive £300,000 through the Government’s Community Ownership Fund, allowing them to repair the roof, install a lift, renovate the building and secure its future at the heart of Ulverston. I was very glad to support The Roxy Collective’s excellent bid back in August and lobby the Levelling Up Secretary to support them. Alongside the Coro, the Roxy is part of the cultural fabric of Ulverston and this investment should mean that it remains in that position for many, many years to come."