Circus Eruption – a free integrated youth charity – has successfully applied to Swansea Council for funding through the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The funding will be used to help cover the costs of repair works at the St Luke’s Church building in Cwmbwrla, where Circus Eruption are based.
It will also contribute towards a feasibility study that will explore income streams from disused spaces of the building including the tower and mission hall.
Formed in 1991 as the first organisation of its kind in the UK, Circus Eruption provides a safe and supportive place for children and young people – many of whom face challenges – to learn circus skills like juggling and stilt-walking while also boosting their confidence and self-esteem.
Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “Part of our investment in Swansea through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund is focused on bringing historic structures back to life. This is important because it will help preserve Swansea’s rich heritage while also leading to maintained or improved use of these buildings by local people, community groups and other organisations.
“We’re delighted to have approved the application for funds from Circus Eruption because their plans will help conserve an historic Swansea church while also boosting a fantastic local charity that does so much for young people’s wellbeing and confidence.
“The St Luke’s Church building is one of many historic buildings in Swansea to benefit from funding, following-on all the work the council does to safeguard and celebrate our city’s heritage.”
Karen Chalk, Director of Circus Eruption, said “This building has been transformative for our charity, but still needs a fair bit of transformation itself. The children and young people at Circus Eruption love their space, and though we’ve been making consistent improvements since opening in 2021, there’s still plenty to do and substantial spaces which are still unused. We’re securing the building’s future at the same time as celebrating its legacy, and are incredibly grateful for the council’s active support.”
Other historic structures to benefit from funding include Oystermouth Castle, the Unitarian Church on High Street and the York Place Baptist Church in the city centre.
(Lead image: Swansea Council)
