News

Severn Trent has awarded £51,934 to Riverside House CIC, on a project that will transform Riverside House.

Riverside House CIC, in Stourbridge, will be using the funding to develop old ironworks into a place to inspire wellbeing with better community access, as well as biodiversity improvements.

The popular attraction, will also develop repurposed sustainable areas, as well a unique Wetland Ecosystem Treatment, to purify greywater for other uses, helping to save water and be sustainable.

Jade Gough from Severn Trent said: “This is an absolutely fantastic project from Riverside House, that we’re really excited to be supporting.

“It features plenty of our values, from sustainability, wellbeing, biodiversity and the environment, so it really is a project that we’re excited to see take off. The huge benefits it will bring, will not only see big enhancements to the local environment, but also will be a place where local communities can come to enjoy nature, that’s unique and accessible for all. Making for a truly wonderful visit. We know that this project will make a huge impact to those who love and know the estate, that’s embedded with such rich history and ties to the local community.”

The Severn Trent Community Fund will be giving away more than £10m over five years, to support charity and community groups with projects aimed to boost wellbeing, and improving the local environment.Over the last year alone, it’s awarded over £1.5m to 93 charity and community projects across the Midlands.

Clare Evans from Riverside House said: ‘’Riverside House are thrilled to have been granted funds to develop a grey-water management wetland area that will greatly improve biodiversity on this special site. The funding will get us another step towards welcoming in the general public, with all ability access routes and fencing, allowing the community safe access to view the River Stour and the beauty of the Riverside House site.We couldn’t have done this without the support of Severn Trent Community Fund. We are so excited to get started and see the progress over the coming months.”

The Severn Trent Community fund is overseen by an independent Panel, made up of Severn Trent customers, who review applications and who decide where the money goes.

The company also created an Emergency Coronavirus Fund, giving out £1m to community groups and charities who were giving vital support to our communities through the height of the outbreak, as well as those who had struggled financially themselves as a result of the pandemic and needed a helping hand to get back on their feet.