A community project forced to down tools after a lack of funding can continue after a cash boost.

Dartford Gym and Youth Club, also known as Europa Gym, in Temple Hill, Dartford, has been undergoing essential refurbishment for months and had hoped to unveil its new look this week.

But financial stumbling blocks meant the project ground to a halt in July.

The renovation has been awarded £244,920 and is one of 45 places across the country to receive a share of more than £12.3 million thanks to the Community Ownership Fund.

The revamp of Europa Weightlifting, where Team GB athletes train, was due to be completed in September but has been hampered in the last four years by funding problems, Covid and a burglary which saw it robbed of £30,000 worth of equipment.

Former Olympian and head coach Andrew Callard who has been spearheading the project is delighted with the cash injection, which means the final stages of the renovation can now be completed.

“It is amazing to be given the money. It will allow us to finish the project,” he said.

The final stage is the transformation of the outside space which Andrew said was condemned more than 20 years ago.

He said: “It’s not been used properly for years and years.”

Andrew’s plans include a 3G pitch and lighting, which costs £35,000.

“Everything is so expensive,” he said. “It just all adds up.”

Andrew is now hoping the new gym and youth centre can open at the beginning of January next year.

“It would be a nice clean start,” he said. “It’s a really good goal to aim for.”

The government’s Community Ownership Fund has now given £49.3m for 195 projects across the UK.

The fund is open again for bids and will close on Wednesday, October 11 – groups are being urged to apply for up to £2m in funding for the very first time.