The centre has been awarded £49,950 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund’s Community Buildings Grant Programme, distributed through the York and North Yorkshire Combined Local Authority and UK government.
A further £20,000 match grant has been provided by the Waugh Trust, managed by The Rotary Club of Knaresborough.
The funding will support several improvements at the centre, including:
A new flexible meeting space with kitchenette
- An accessible toilet
- A redesigned reception area
- Private one-to-one meeting rooms
- An expanded office for the growing team
- Upgrades to both accessibility and energy efficiency
The centre, based on Chain Lane, is used by more than 365 people each week.
Users include older adults, people with disabilities, NHS patients accessing the blood service, and a variety of volunteer and community groups.
Organisers say the renovations will help the centre remain a welcoming and sustainable space for the future.
A spokesperson for Chain Lane Community Centre said:
“We’re incredibly grateful for this funding and the support of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Knaresborough Rotary.
"This investment will help us complete our vision for Chain Lane Community Centre — creating a welcoming, inclusive, and sustainable space that meets the evolving needs of our community.”
Representatives from the Rotary Club of Knaresborough highlighted the importance of local collaboration, saying:
“Providing the match funding required to unlock this investment reflects our commitment to supporting the community. "
This is a project that will benefit so many different groups and individuals in Knaresborough.”
More information about the centre and its services is available at chainlane.org.

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