Residents share priorities for £20m Pride in Place programme in Penhill

The first community conversation with council officers about this project took place yesterday evening (19 Feb) at The Meadows in Leigh Road, where local people, community groups and partners discussed what matters most to them and what Penhill means to their community.

Pride in Place is designed to support ideas and projects identified by residents themselves, rather than partner organisations deciding what is needed. The investment can support a wide range of community-led priorities, including improving local spaces, strengthening connections between neighbours, supporting volunteers and local groups and initiatives that improve wellbeing and inclusion.

Those attending the event shared ideas about how to build on Penhill’s strengths, create more opportunities for people to come together and ensure that local voices remain at the heart of decision-making. Residents spoke about pride in Penhill and the importance of shaping a positive future for the area.

Decisions about how the funding is used will be made locally through a resident-led neighbourhood board, with an independent chair. The funding will be held and administered by Swindon Borough Council, but priorities will be set by the community.

Councillor Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said: “It was great to see so many people at last night’s community conversation and to hear how passionate they are about Penhill. Pride in Place is about putting residents firmly in the driving seat. They know their local neighbourhood and what will make a real difference to their lives, which was evident from last night’s meeting.

“This £20m investment is a significant, long-term commitment to Penhill, but what matters most is that local people decide how it is used.

“These conversations are the starting point for a programme that will build on the area’s strengths, strengthen community connections and create opportunities shaped by the people who live and work here.

“With Walcot East also receiving £20m from the Government through Pride in Place, I would encourage anyone who lives in that neighbourhood to come along to our community conversation next week, so they can also have their say and be part of shaping what happens next.”

A community conversation will take place in Walcot East on Tuesday, 24 February, from 7pm to 8.30pm at Buckhurst Community Centre. Residents who live or work in the area are encouraged to attend, share their views and find out how they can get involved.

Community engagement is at the heart of the Pride in Place programme so there will be plenty more opportunities for local people to talk and share their views with each other, with the council and local partners. A series of events and activities is being scheduled to ensure we maximise the opportunities of the funding.

Further information about Pride in Place and upcoming events is available on Let’s Talk Swindon.