National Lottery Grant Success Brings Viva’s Dream Project Another Step Closer

Local arts and community charity – Viva Arts and Community Group have had the wonderful news that they have been awarded initial support from the National Lottery towards bringing the derelict Spencer Mill in Soham back to life as a community and cultural hub for the area.

Thanks to National Lottery players, the project has been awarded a development grant of £83,400 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to develop plans and apply for a full grant of £608,200.

Viva’s director Daniel Schumann said, “This is a hugely ambitious project with enormous potential to bring significant and lasting positive economic and community benefits to Soham and the surrounding area. This first round pass and development grant is a major step forward and we are thrilled that the National Lottery has given us this amazing opportunity and cannot thank them enough for their support.”

The Spencer Mill project, which is also supported by £180,000 of monies from the Community Infrastructure Levy controlled by East Cambridgeshire District Council, hopes to appropriately renovate Spencer Mill in Soham, which is currently derelict, and bring it back to life for the community as a self-sustaining community asset. The funding was sourced to help raise the match funding required to apply for the National Lottery Grant.

Councillor David Brown, Chair of the Resources and Finance Committee at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “East Cambridgeshire District Council is delighted to support the Spencer Mill project which will provide additional value to community life in Soham. Our ambition to make the district a great place to live, work and visit is the reason why we’re proud to back this and other worthwhile projects, and we cannot wait to see it being used by the community.” 

The Mill is an acknowledged rare survivor of a once thriving milling industry employing many people, shaping the town and its economy. Viva’s vision is to create a community theatre with a vibrant programme as well as a community space that is available for hire by the community. The project will create jobs, help local people develop transferable skills and once again position the Mill building as an important contributor to the local economy.