Pride in Place in Swindon
The Pride in Place programme is a Government initiative that aims to invest in neighbourhoods across the country to help communities shape the future of the places where they live.
It provides funding to areas identified by Government as needing additional support to deliver long-term improvements for local people.
This investment will help communities address local priorities and create positive change through projects that support three key objectives:
- Build stronger communities: bringing people together to build community pride, strengthen relationships and help people feel safe and connected in their neighbourhood
- Create thriving places: improving neighbourhoods by investing in local spaces, facilities, high streets and infrastructure that support everyday life
- Empower people to take back control: supporting residents to have a real say in decisions that affect their community and helping people feel more in control of their future
In Swindon, the two programme areas are Penhill and Walcot East and Parks. Each can receive up to £20 million in funding and support over ten years.
This long-term investment will support projects and ideas that matter most to local residents, businesses and community organisations.
Pride in Place is designed to be community-led, with local people helping to decide priorities and shape how funding is used. The programme focuses on strengthening neighbourhoods, improving local spaces and supporting opportunities that help communities thrive.
Who decides how the funding is used?
Decisions about how Pride in Place funding is used will be made locally.
Each area has a Neighbourhood Board, led by an independent chair, which works with residents, community organisations, local partners and the Council to develop a long-term vision for the area.
Each board is responsible for developing a ten-year vision and a four-year investment plan that sets out how funding will be used to improve the local area.
While we act as the accountable body for the funding, the priorities for investment will be shaped by local people.
Neighbourhood Boards are expected to include:
- residents and community representatives
- local businesses and voluntary organisations
- the local Member of Parliament
- ward councillors
- representatives from key local partners
This ensures the programme is community-led and reflects the priorities of the people who live and work in the area.
What kinds of projects can be funded?
Pride in Place funding can support a wide range of community-led ideas and improvements. Examples may include:
- improvements to local parks, streets and public spaces
- enhancing community facilities or local amenities
- activities that bring people together and strengthen community connections
- supporting volunteers and grassroots organisations
- projects that improve wellbeing, inclusion and opportunities for residents
Some funding will be allocated for physical improvements to neighbourhoods, while other funding may support community activities and local initiatives.
Find out more about Pride in Place funding on the Government website.
How to get involved
Community involvement is central to Pride in Place.
Residents, community groups and local organisations will have opportunities to share their views, help shape priorities and take part in the programme as it develops.
You can find out more about the programme and how to get involved by visiting the dedicated pages for each neighbourhood:
You can also view Neighbourhood Board documents for each area, including meeting minutes, board membership and governance arrangements:
Further information
More information about the national programme is available in the Government's Pride in Place Strategy.
