The Rock shopping and leisure development has launched its community bursary scheme to support small community groups and charities throughout the borough.

Local charities and not-for-profit organisations will be invited to apply for up to £2,000 of the community bursary, with the aim of supporting vital community work, across all age groups and backgrounds. The funding is specifically for projects that fit within the themes of art and culture, education and skills, health and wellbeing or sustainability and the environment. The projects must also be of value and generate tangible benefits for their local community.

The applications will be assessed by a special judging panel, made up of representative from The Rock, Hammerson and Bury Council.

Nikki Kitchen, marketing manager, The Rock said: “This is a really exciting initiative, supporting charities which provide a service that is well valued by their local community. We decided to introduce a community bursary – rather than a donation to one charity – as it allows us the chance to help a number of charitable organisations which support a variety of causes within the Bury borough.

“The community bursary scheme is an initiative which Hammerson has established in shopping centres across the country with great success. We are keen to replicate this success in Bury.”

Councillor Yvonne Creswell, Cabinet Member for Communities, added: “The Rock’s bursary scheme is a fantastic project that will help build strong relationships with the many community groups and charities in Bury. We would encourage anyone across the borough who thinks they might be suitable for this funding to contact The Rock’s bursary team, as we are looking to a support a wide variety of organisations and schemes.”

Applications for the community bursary will close on Friday, 24 September 2010. For more information on The Rock’s community bursary and to download an application form logon to www.therockbury.com This is one of many community initiatives that The Rock plans to launch in the lead up to the official opening on 16th July and beyond. The Rock has recently launched a competition to find participants to take part it’s Bury Beat Parade, a creative community initiative, which local schools and community groups from across the Bury area have been invited to take part in by entering artwork into The Rock flag art competition. The winning schools from each town will be invited to represent their area in the Bury Beat Parade carrying the flag displaying the winning artwork.

Hammerson establishes community bursary schemes for its developments and projects. The schemes have been successful in providing funding for local charities in the towns and cities in which it operates.