We are delighted to have been selected by the UK Government for the Pride in Place programme. This unique programme will provide £20 million over ten years for two key areas in Norwich: Heartsease and Pilling Park, and Bowthorpe and West Earlham.
The programme is designed to put residents at the heart of decision‑making. Local people will have direct influence over how the funding is spent — whether that's improving green spaces, creating new community facilities, or bringing high streets and empty buildings back into use. This is an opportunity to build a long‑lasting legacy shaped by those who know their neighbourhoods best.
We are now seeking two passionate and well‑connected community leaders to take on voluntary roles as independent Chairs of the new neighbourhood boards, one for each area.
Each neighbourhood board will be made up of independent local people who live or work in the area. Their role will be to engage with residents and make decisions on how best to invest this funding.
Councillor Kidman, Cabinet Member for Culture and Wellbeing, said:
“We are delighted to take this first step in such an exciting programme by recruiting a Chairperson for Heartsease and Pilling Park, and for Bowthorpe and West Earlham. These are neighbourhoods where residents have long been working to bring about positive change. Appointing the Chairs and establishing the neighbourhood boards marks the beginning of a journey that will help deliver those changes.”
Working closely with the Members of Parliament for Norwich North and Norwich South, we have developed a programme of action to support these communities through the next steps.
Alice Macdonald, Member of Parliament for Norwich North, said:
“Pride in Place is a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to put power directly in the hands of the community. This £20m investment will be led by local voices, and I’m excited to welcome applications for the Chair of the Heartsease and Pilling Park board. It’s vital that residents are at the heart of every decision. This is a fantastic opportunity for a local community champion, and I look forward to working with the successful applicant to deliver real change for local people.”
Clive Lewis, Member of Parliament for Norwich South, said:
“Securing £20 million through the Pride in Place programme will make a huge difference. Crucially, local people — residents, community groups, and neighbourhood boards — will decide how the funding is used. Anyone can get involved. Pride in Place is designed for long‑term change, with funding spread over ten years. That gives communities time to plan and opens the door to further investment.
It also supports community wealth‑building, ensuring money benefits local people. In Greenwich, for example, the council has worked with colleges and housing groups to support Living Wage jobs, use land for social projects, and buy from local suppliers. There are so many exciting possibilities — and the most exciting part is that the community gets to choose.”
If you are interested in applying for this unique and exciting role, please visit www.norwich.gov.uk/prideinplace for full details and application information.
