National Highways to bring Beds and Cambs community projects to life with £400,000 worth of grants

A sensory garden, digital museum, and upgraded sports club facilities are among 11 community projects based in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire that will come to life after receiving funding from National Highways A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements legacy fund.

The funding is part of a broader £2 million legacy fund launched in November 2023 aimed at creating a lasting positive impact that transcends asphalt, steel and concrete.

Transformative projects for local communities

The first application window, held over the winter, attracted more than 80 bids, reflecting strong community interest and engagement. The funded projects from the Social Value Fund include:

• Potton Primary School: Establishment of a sensory garden for children to enjoy outdoor activities in a dedicated, accessible area.
• Eaton Socon Cricket Club: Refurbishment of facilities to make the club more inclusive for all community members.
• St Neots Museum: Development of two new immersive digital experiences showcasing historic archaeological finds.
• VegFest Schools Growing Programme: Creation of food-growing spaces in eight primary schools in St Neots.
• Bedfordshire Great Ouse Valley Environmental Trust: Purchase of two ‘sondes’ for real-time river pollution data monitoring.
• Roxton Village Hall: Installation of solar panels.
• Gamlingay and Gransden Scout Group: Installation of solar panels at the scout hut.

“We’re delighted to award these grants through our legacy fund, which will help organisations bring their community-based projects to life, making a real difference in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire,” said Lee Galloway, Project Director for National Highways. “This fund is designed to maximise the benefits of the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements for local communities, the environment, and the local economy.”

Community voices

Rebecca Beattie, Secretary of the Parent, Teacher, and Friends Association at Potton Primary School, said: “The sensory garden will enhance our science curriculum and create memorable experiences for everyone at the school.”

Kelly Garner, Engagement Officer at St Neots Museum, added: “The introduction of digital media will make our displays more engaging and accessible, creating an inclusive environment for all visitors.”

Supporting a range of initiatives from the Community Fund:

• CHUMS Charity: Running a therapeutic programme supporting 48 children and young people in Bedfordshire.
• The Croydon Reading Room: Installation of a hearing loop in Royston.
• The Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs, and Northants: Events programme offering hands-on nature conservation experiences to 400 participants.
• Overloaded: Development of new facilities at Overload Farm in Bedford to benefit 60 young people with anxiety or school attendance issues.

Michael O'Toole, Cambridgeshire Community Foundation CEO, said: “Cambridgeshire Community Foundation is proud to work with National Highways. We are delighted to offer grant for not-for-profit groups in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire to deliver projects linked to the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements. Our long-term relationship with National Highways continues to support communities and leave a lasting positive legacy in the local area.”

Call for new applications

National Highways is accepting applications to its legacy fund and is calling on non-for-profit groups or organisations in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire to apply, including but not limited to local schools, charities, community groups, and environment groups.

The £1.7m social value fund is open to a wide range of proposals with grants available between £15,000 to £200,000. To be successful, applicants must be able to show that their project or initiative falls near the proposed route, and will meet one of the following criteria:

• Economic prosperity – investing in new skills, jobs, supply chains and delivering improvements in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire
• Improving the environment – making sustainable decisions that conserve natural resources and enhance ecosystems
• Community wellbeing – addressing health-related issues and improving connectivity, amenities, education, and heritage programmes for communities
• Equality, diversity, and inclusion – supporting the creating of a more equal society by increasing opportunities for under-represented group

This is the second of five funding windows is open for expressions of interest until Monday 15 July 2024.

Visit the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet webpage to find out more about the application process and criteria, and to submit an expression of interest.

For smaller scale projects, the scheme’s community fund – which is managed by Cambridgeshire Community Foundation – is also accepting applications. Worth £250,000 and with grants of up to £15,000 available, the community fund aims to support initiatives that help build skills and support employment, or support and connect communities, or enhance the local environment organisations.

To find our more, visit Cambridgeshire Community Foundation.

Further applications windows for the Social Value Fund and Community Fund are:

• November 2024 to January 2025
• May 2025 to July 2025
• November 2025 to January 2026

National Highway’s £1 billion scheme to upgrade the route between the Black Cat roundabout in Bedfordshire and Caxton Gibbet roundabout in Cambridgeshire started construction late last year and continues to make good progress in transforming a critical part of the region's road transport network.

The project will see the creation of a new 10-mile dual carriageway linking the A1 Black Cat roundabout to the A428 Caxton Gibbet roundabout. Both existing roundabouts will be upgraded into modern, free flowing junctions with a new junction added at Cambridge Road, improving access to St Neots and its train station.      

The improvements will help drivers save up to an hour-and-a-half on their journeys every week. The scheme is expected to open to traffic in spring 2027.   

Notes to Editors

National Highways is the wholly government-owned company responsible for modernising, maintaining and operating England’s motorways and major A roads.

Real-time traffic information for England’s motorways and major A roads is available via the Traffic England website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps. Local Twitter services are also available.

For further information please contact National Highways' press office (24hrs) on 0844 693 1448 and select the most appropriate option:

Option 1: National enquiries (9am to 5.30pm) and out of hours for urgent enquiries
Option 2: North West (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 3: Yorkshire and North East (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 4: West Midlands (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 5: East Midlands (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 6: East (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 7: South East (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 8: South West (9am to 5.30pm)