A fund set up in the name of a Leeds entrepreneur has given a valuable community resource a big cash boost.
Jimbo’s Fund, the legacy left by multi-millionaire Jimi Heselden following his death in 2010, has pledged £10,000 to help with plans to renovate Oulton Institute near Rothwell.
Plans are currently in progress to revamp parts of the institute and help raise cash to give the rest of the facility a facelift.
The institute made an application to Jimbo’s Fund for help with the scheme and were awarded £10,000 for materials.
And in a second boost, property maintenance company Morrison have offered to provide labour free of charge to carry out the work needed.
Rothwell councillor Stewart Golton has been supporting the bid to get the institute building refurbished.
He said: “Jimbo’s Fund is a legacy left by the late Jimi Heselden, and I wrote to his family to ask for their support for the Institute’s bid. I am very grateful to them for supporting the institute as it provides a base for local community groups and events and a focal point for people to meet.
“The institute is steeped in history and securing funding for this project will also help secure the future of the building.
“The expertise that Morrison can bring to the construction is also very welcome, especially as it is at no cost to the institution.
“I look forward to the work starting in December.”
The building currently has several rooms for hire for functions and holds classes including Zumba and flower arranging. The charitable trust that runs the institute wants to convert the old caretaker’s house, which has fallen into disrepair, into accommodation so that it can bring in rental income to renovate the rest of the building.
Oulton Institute is built on land left to the people of Oulton by Edmund Calverley of Oulton Hall.
Philanthropist Mr Heselden made his fortune manufacturing the Hesco bastion barrier system.
He died in 2010 from injuries sustained falling from a cliff whilst riding a Segway.
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