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To grant a sum of £10,000 to support the
Planet Cheltenham initiative.
 

Reasons for the decision

To part fund the redevelopment of a 2 floor Eco-Hub.
Intended to be an exemplar refit, knowledge bank, activity centre
and community resource. This is aligns with an Climate Pathway
action: “Explore partnership opportunities for setting up
‘zero carbon hubs’ – decentralised futureproof
centres promoting zero emission lifestyles, that help to educate,
inform and advise on ‘all things climate’ for
individuals and communities.”

 

This grant was initially offered as part of the
Planet Cheltenham Crowdfunder to
deliver a pop-up space and support their plans for their new
Eco-Hub by the previous Cabinet Member. Those funds are now being
released as Planet Cheltenham have met required milestones to
justify investment in renewable energy infrastructure on
site.
 

Alternative options considered

Developing our own eco-hub. Using funding to support
a pop up or to fund workshops, which was the original intention of
this grant. Recent progress on the Planet Cheltenham Eco-Hub leads
this course of action to be a better long-term investment in
creating a sustainable climate hub than short-term pop up seed
investment. Planet Cheltenham’s eco-hub is the preferred
option as it supports grassroots community action, supports the
creation of a new community space in an area of deprivation, and
supports the delivery of a new climate hub for Cheltenham without
creating significant long-term budgetary pressure for the
Council.