The Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board has approved a four-year investment plan
The Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board has approved a four-year investment plan that will guide the first phase of community-led regeneration projects across Rawtenstall, Waterfoot and Crawshawbooth, the three neighbourhoods identified by the government for support through the funding programme.
The plan sets out a range of improvements and initiatives that will be delivered over the coming years using funding from the Pride in Place programme, which provides up to £20 million over ten years to support neighbourhood regeneration. The programme is designed to give local people a direct voice in shaping investment in their communities.
The Neighbourhood Board, made up of residents, community representatives, businesses and partners, has been working with the community to identify priorities and develop projects that reflect the needs and ambitions of the area.
Early priorities for the first year focus on a number of practical “quick win” improvements that residents will begin to see delivered soon. These include enhancements to Edgeside Park, improvements to the netball court at Marl Pits, and upgrades to the kitchen facilities at Whitewell Bottom Community Centre.
Alongside these early improvements, the investment plan also includes several longer-term projects that will support regeneration, community activity and local opportunity. These include plans to support the redevelopment of the Heritage Arcade in Rawtenstall, outreach work on the Staghills Estate, and improvements to public rights of way across the Pride in Place area.
The plan also includes a number of initiatives aimed at supporting young people, communities and local businesses. These include a creative skills programme for young people, activities designed to help animate and revitalise Waterfoot, and a youth entrepreneur and mentoring programme.
The projects were developed following a wide-ranging process of community engagement, with residents, community organisations, businesses and local groups invited to submit ideas and take part in discussions and working groups.
Chair of the Pride in Place Board, Iain Taylor, said: “This is an important milestone for the Pride in Place programme and for the communities involved. The projects in this plan have been shaped by local people who care about their area and want to see it thrive.
“We received a huge number of ideas and suggestions from residents, businesses and community groups. The board would like to thank everyone who took the time to get involved, share their views and help shape the priorities. This plan reflects what people told us matters most to them and sets out a clear path for delivering improvements over the coming years.
“Pride in Place is about giving communities a stronger voice and making sure investment supports the places and projects that local people believe will make the biggest difference.”
Lynn Smith Chair of Civic Pride Rawtenstall and a member of the Pride in Place Board, said: “This investment plan is a great example of what can be achieved when communities come together to shape the future of their area.
“The Pride in Place programme gives local people the opportunity to guide how funding is used and to focus on the improvements that matter most to them. It is encouraging to see a mix of quick wins that will deliver visible improvements alongside longer-term projects that will support regeneration and opportunity across the area.
“I would also like echo Iain in thanking everyone who contributed ideas, took part in consultations and supported the development of the plan.”
The Neighbourhood Board will continue to work with local communities, partners and organisations as projects move into delivery and further plans are developed as part of the wider ten-year regeneration programme.