£20m regeneration scheme for area of Chester makes key step forward
A new neighbourhood board has officially launched Blacon’s £20 million Pride in Place regeneration programme, with members seeking to extend funding to cover the whole community.
By Chester Standard
A £20 million regeneration programme aimed at transforming Blacon over the next decade has officially moved forward after the newly formed Proud of Blacon Neighbourhood Board held its first meeting.
The board, which will oversee the Government-backed Pride in Place programme, met on Saturday, 11 July, at Matthew Henry Evangelical Church in Blacon. It brings together local representatives, community organisations, businesses and public bodies to help shape how the funding is invested over the next 10 years.
Among those on the board is City of Chester MP Samantha Dixon, while Revd Tina Upton, minister at Matthew Henry Evangelical Church, has been appointed chair.
Speaking after the inaugural meeting, Revd Upton said she was encouraged by the enthusiasm shown by board members.
“This is a significant first step on this 10-year programme for Blacon,” she said. “I am delighted by the commitment and passion shown by everyone involved, and I look forward to working together to help make a lasting difference for our community.”
During the meeting, members agreed the board’s governance arrangements and discussed priorities for the regeneration programme. They also approved a request to the Government asking for the funding boundary to be extended so the scheme can benefit the whole of Blacon, rather than the smaller area currently covered.
The request was due to be submitted by 17 July.
The Pride in Place initiative is expected to invest £20 million in Blacon over the next decade. Funding can be used to support projects including improvements to public spaces, community facilities, high streets, employment and skills initiatives, transport links and neighbourhood safety, with priorities to be shaped by local residents.
Further community engagement will now take place before a long-term regeneration plan is submitted to the Government later this year.