South Cambridgeshire District Council, led by the Liberal Democrats, has allocated £40,000 to Jack’s Gelato, a local ice cream manufacturer based in Girton, to fund a specialized waffle cone-making machine. This investment aims to enhance the company’s production capabilities and support local business growth.
Jack’s Gelato, known for its artisanal ice cream sold in Cambridge, plans to use the new machine to create its own waffle cones, completing the company’s in-house production process. Owner Jack van Praag expressed enthusiasm about the grant, stating, “It’s the last thing we don’t make ourselves. We make everything else. This is the last piece of the jigsaw.”
The funding is part of a broader initiative from the Rural England Prosperity Fund, which aims to bolster long-term resilience in rural communities and businesses. Overall, the council has distributed over £360,000 in grants to seven projects in South Cambridgeshire to enhance rural life.
Other recipients of the grants include:
Cambourne Town Council: £90,000 for creating shared activity space in a modular building for community use.
Wysing Arts Centre: £80,000 to improve accessibility for visitors and enhance biodiversity practices.
Cottenham Community Centre: £38,000 to establish a second activities space.
Allia: £32,555 for audio-visual equipment, solar panels, and CCTV at the new social enterprise hub at Papworth Printworks.
Impington Sports Centre: £53,000 for resurfacing tennis and netball courts.
Willow Grange Farm: £50,000 to cover costs for solar panels, a heat recovery system, and automatic doors, supporting the business’s expansion and energy efficiency efforts.
Peter McDonald, the council’s lead cabinet member for economic development, highlighted the importance of these grants in revitalizing the district. “By investing in rural businesses and local community groups, we’re not just stimulating economic growth but also building a stronger sense of identity and belonging in these areas,” he stated.
The support for Jack’s Gelato and other projects reflects a commitment to fostering a vibrant rural economy in South Cambridgeshire.
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