Funding Approved to Improve Accessibility, Independence and Dignity for Community Users
14/10/2026
Hundreds of people are set to benefit from improved accessibility and upgraded facilities following a grant award from FCC Communities Foundation, helping ensure a valued community space remains welcoming, inclusive and fit for the future.
A busy Cambridge community hub is set to benefit from improved accessibility and upgraded facilities following a funding award from FCC Communities Foundation.
The grant, approved by FCC Communities Foundation's Board in September, will support the refurbishment of five toilet facilities at Rowan Art Centre, helping to create a safer, more inclusive and welcoming environment for the hundreds of people who use the building each week.
Rowan Art Centre supports more than 100 adults with learning disabilities through creative arts programmes and also welcomes volunteers, community groups, artists and visitors to a wide range of activities and events. The existing facilities had become increasingly outdated and difficult to maintain, creating challenges around accessibility, reliability and user experience.
The project will include the installation of new toilets and hand basins, alongside improved lighting, ventilation and hygiene measures. Importantly, the improvements will enhance accessibility for wheelchair users and people with additional support needs, helping to remove barriers to participation and promote greater independence and dignity for all users.
The refurbishment forms part of Rowan's ongoing commitment to ensuring the centre remains a vibrant and inclusive community hub where people can come together to learn, create and connect.
Cheryl Raynor, Grant Manager at FCC Communities Foundation, said: "Community spaces should be welcoming and accessible to everyone, yet it is often the most basic facilities that can have the greatest impact on a person's experience. These improvements will help ensure that people can use the centre with greater comfort, confidence and independence, while supporting Rowan Art Centre's valuable work in bringing people together through creativity, learning and social connection. We're delighted to support a project that will make a lasting difference to so many people in the local community."
The project has already received strong support from the local community through Rowan's Spend the Penny fundraising campaign, reflecting the importance of the centre and the value local people place on maintaining and improving the facilities.
The investment will not only improve the day-to-day experience of current users but will also help secure the long-term future of the centre by creating facilities that are more accessible, sustainable and fit for a growing community. By investing in essential infrastructure, the project will support Rowan Art Centre's continued role as a place where creativity, wellbeing, friendship and opportunity can flourish for years to come.
Work is due to begin on 19 October, and we look forward to seeing the transformed facilities open and helping to make a positive difference for everyone who uses the centre.
Pictured are Rowan student artists, one of the many groups who will benefit from the project.
