The GSK Task Force, convened by local MP Michelle Scrogham, is delighted to announce that Ford Park and The Spot have been selected as recipients of GSK’s legacy donation, totalling £2 million between the two projects.

The projects were selected for their vision, impact, and potential to provide lasting educational, cultural, well-being and leisure benefits for future generations in Ulverston.

This significant milestone follows a transparent and inclusive process that placed the voice of the Ulverston community at its heart.

Michelle Scrogham, MP for Barrow and Furness, and Chair of the Task Force said: “This is a fantastic result for our local community, and I would like to thank GSK for their generous legacy donation which will make a huge difference to the town.Both of these projects offered well-worked, robust and deliverable plans, and were able to show that they would deliver education, culture and leisure benefits for future generations of the town.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in helping GSK engage the local community in this decision.

“We received a total of 31 project ideas from over 200 individuals, and the Taskforce undertook a rigorous process to make its recommendation to GSK.

“It was not an easy decision, and I know that some projects will be disappointed – the Taskforce is committed to make sure that all those projects received support to secure alternative funding.

“Like many people locally my own family’s story is closely linked with the history of GSK in the town with three generations working at the Ulverston site.

“It has been very sad to see the site closing, but this investment will ensure that GSK’s nearly 80 years in the town results in a lasting legacy.”

Ford Park is one of Ulverston’s most used community spaces with around 14,000 visitors each year. The project seeks to protect the park and preserve the community space as a free-to-access asset for the town in perpetuity.

It will include the development of a multifunctional community room and office space to support various community groups.

This initiative aims to enhance accessibility and provide much-needed educational facilities for Ulverston.

Sam Ronson, Park Director at Ford Park said, “The team here at Ford Park are absolutely delighted to be selected as a recipient of the GSK Legacy funding.

“This donation will allow us to build an additional community space at the park which will be more accessible, more eco-friendly and provide a bigger indoor space for events, educational trips and more.

“We will finally be able to run the charity entirely on renewable energy and most of all, the building will improve the finances of our small charity, securing the park’s future for generations to come.

“Ford Park has been maintained as a charity run public space for nearly 25 years by dedicated and enthusiastic staff and volunteers who care deeply about the park and the benefits it offers for the wider community.

“For that experience and dedication to be recognised and entrusted to deliver this new project is a fantastic prospect.

“On behalf of the Ford Park team, the Board of Trustees and the dozens of volunteers who maintain this beautiful space, I would very much like to thank both GSK and the Task Force for their incredibly generous support.”

Conversion of the former auction mart building into a large community space dedicated to learning, art, festivals and homing some linchpin support groups for the area including Ulverston Food Project.

The Spot as it will be known, objectives include supporting individuals in crisis, promoting health and wellbeing, fostering creativity, and strengthening community ties under the tagline “Creating Community.”

Ceri Hutton from Team Spot said: “This award is transformational for The Spot.

“Though we managed to raise enough to buy the building, turning an old auction mart into a welcoming, warm, accessible place, to high environmental standards, remained a mountain to climb.

“We’re now able to reach this goal with GSK’s support. Ulverston desperately needs space having lost 9 venues in the last decade.

“So, we are delighted that the Taskforce has backed our vision of creating a new hub, where people will find support alongside the sort of uplifting, creative community activities that make Ulverston a great place to live.”

The £2 million GSK legacy donation is a mark of the company’s gratitude and commitment to the Ulverston community, with the aim of leaving a last legacy in the town by supporting local projects that will benefit residents now and in years to come.

Phil Wilson, GSK Site Director said: “GSK has an incredibly proud history in Ulverston stretching back nearly 80 years, and I’m delighted that the company will leave a lasting legacy in the town through the donation for Ford Park and The Spot.

“I look forward to seeing these important initiatives brought to life and would like to extend my sincere thanks to Michelle and the entire Task Force for their dedication and thoughtful consideration in the selection process.” 

Last December, the Task Force, led by Michelle, invited ideas from the public for projects that would deliver long-term educational, cultural, or leisure benefits for Ulverston.

Over thirty proposals were received, reflecting the creativity and dedication of local residents and organisations.

Each submission was carefully reviewed and scored using criteria agreed upon by the Task Force.

A short-list of projects was created and submitted to GSK for a governance review to ensure that all proposals met required standards.

Following a final Task Force meeting, the successful projects were selected for funding.

A spokesperson for the The Task Force added: “We would like to thank everyone who submitted a proposal and participated in this important process.

“The range and quality of suggestions were outstanding, and the final decision was reached with great care and a commitment to fairness.

“While not all projects could be funded, it is hoped that the list of ideas will continue to inspire future initiatives in Ulverston and alternative funding routes can be explored to support those projects that were not successful on this occasion.

“We look forward to seeing work at Ford Park and The Spot begin, and further updates will be shared with the community as these projects progress and start to deliver tangible benefits for Ulverston.

“We remain deeply grateful for the community’s engagement and enthusiasm throughout this process and look forward to seeing the GSK legacy donation make a lasting difference for the people of Ulverston.”