Voluntary and community sector organisations have been given a new opportunity to progress capital building projects with additional funding just announced from the BIG Lottery Fund of £75million.

"This is extremely welcome news," says Adrian Aston, director at construction and property consultants Wakemans.  "There are 9,000 halls in the UK which represents the largest network of community owned facilities in the country with a total asset value of over £3 billion.

"These facilities are often vital lifeblood of any community, especially in rural areas and capital expenditure to improve or replace these halls has traditionally been very difficult to obtain."

The BIG Lottery Fund is investing the £75million through its Reaching Communities programme. The money will be available for all types of multi-purpose buildings used by communities including memorial halls, community centres and village halls. Groups can apply for funding of between £100,000 and £500,000 for projects that have a total value of no more than £750,000.

Adrian urges all groups to act as quickly as possible and check the details for eligibility that are due to be released soon before putting too much effort into a bid. The BIG Lottery Fund has promised less bureaucracy and a simplified administration system with bids being assessed on a monthly rolling basis.

"This should enable applicants to know earlier if they will get the funding and avoid unnecessary work on bids which will be unsuccessful."