A town’s popular country park is set to have a £130k community space after receiving extra funding.

Milton Creek Country Park Trust in Sittingbourne managed to secure a grant from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The space is made from two 40ft shipping containers which have already been converted and delivered.

Dubbed the “space in the park”, it will provide a warm and dry environment for workshops, events and activities.

The facility is set to accommodate schools, youth groups and other community organisations.

Dedicated park volunteers will also be using the space to support their work and it will be fitted with plumbing and a kitchenette, air source heat pumps and electricity.

To ensure the building is secure and resistant to vandalism, metal shutters have been installed along with other anti-social behaviour prevention measures.

Funding of £7,000 was awarded through Swale council’s Community Infrastructure Grant scheme and has contributed towards the provision of eco-friendly air source heat pumps.

So far around £90,000 has been raised, but due to additional features required by building control regulations and the increase in the cost of materials, it is estimated that another £40,000 will be needed.

The Milton Creek Country Park Trust is currently fundraising to help finish and enhance the project further.

For more information on how to support its efforts, click here.

Cllr Monique Bonney, chairman of the property and regeneration committee, said: “This grant is a fantastic opportunity to improve community facilities in Swale and has already seen vast improvements across the borough.

“The new event space at Milton Creek Country Park will be a valuable asset for local people, providing a space for events, workshops, and community gatherings.

“I hope this encourages other community groups to look at the potential of our Community Infrastructure Grant bringing their ideas to life.”

Treasurer for the trust, Lynda Marshall, said “This project would not be possible without the expertise and many, many hours of free labour provided by the dedicated band of volunteers and the support provided by the park ranger Kris Staples and those attending the Friends fundraising events.”

The majority of renovation work is being carried out by volunteers and they aim to have the facility open by next spring.