£20 million Pride in Place funding for St Nicholas ward
The UK Government has today announced that St Nicholas ward in Stevenage will receive £20 million of funding from its flagship ‘Pride in Place’ programme, aimed at empowering local communities to positively shape their future and improve their neighbourhoods.
This is the second phase of the Pride in Place, a UK Government funding programme launched in 2025 and is worth around £5 billion nationally over 10 years. The programme targets hundreds of deprived communities across the UK to help improve local areas, build community pride, and importantly, encourages residents to shape how money is spent.
Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council said:
“I am delighted to make this announcement and look forward to making Stevenage Even Better with this huge investment for our town. The fund will have a neighbourhood focus, and the government has identified St. Nicholas ward as the community to empower through this programme, which will make a real difference.
“As a St Nicholas ward councillor for over 30 years, I am so proud of our community. I am thrilled that we have fought for, and secured, £20 million investment that will make such a positive impact in St Nicholas. By bringing together local knowledge, passion, and the great work we are already doing with our community and partners, this funding will create outstanding opportunities and improvement projects for the area I hold so close to my heart.
“This is an exciting time for Stevenage. We are committed to working with our communities and across our town to make Stevenage Even Better, a place for everyone.
“I look forward to working with our local community in St Nicholas, to look at different ways we can use this funding to help regenerate and improve the area, create opportunities, and a lasting impact for many people.”
The Pride in Place funding, secured by Stevenage MP Kevin Bonavia, comes from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. It will help the council to deliver projects such as;
- improved parks and green spaces,
- community centres,
- skills and employment, and
- health and wellbeing.
Mr Bonavia said: “This is a once in a generation opportunity for St Nicholas. What makes this programme special is simple: the power is directly in the hands of our community, where local people will decide which issues to address and how to spend funds.
“I want every resident to have their say. Whether you care about safer streets, youth facilities, culture, jobs, parks, transport or community spaces, this is your chance to shape the future of our community.”
A new Neighbourhood Board will be established in the coming months, facilitated by the MP and Stevenage Borough Council, working with local residents, community leaders, businesses, and sports and cultural groups. The Board will set priorities and oversee delivery of projects in the community.