Derby to receive over £20m to restore neighbourhood pride

Derby is to receive more than £20 million of government cash to fund community-led improvements and help restore pride in neighbourhoods.

An area of the city known as Chaddesden West is one of 10 communities in the East Midlands who will receive up to £20 million over 10 years from the £5 billion Pride in Place programme to revitalise high streets, improve public spaces and support community-led projects.

In addition, Derby city centre will receive an immediate £1.5 million to enhance green spaces, leisure facilities and community hubs.

The aim of the Pride in Place programme, announced by the Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer, is to put local people at the heart of community renewal, giving residents new powers and long-term funding to make a difference in their neighbourhoods.

East Midlands Mayor and the figurehead of the East Midlands Combined County Authority, Claire Ward said: “This new national investment is a welcome boost for our region.

“People here know what their towns and cities need, and this programme should help them make those changes a reality.

“In the East Midlands, we are already backing communities through the Mayor’s Community Development Fund, and it is encouraging to see national government now investing in similar principles of local control.”

Chaddesden West is one of 169 areas which will receive £2 million every year for a decade, giving “long-overlooked” communities the certainty and control needed to plan for the future.

The immediate £1.5 million awarded to Derby city, is available to upgrade public spaces with new green spaces, play areas and sports and leisure facilities.

Local people will decide how funding is spent – reviving high streets, restoring parks and breathing new life into pubs, leisure centres and community halls.

Communities will also gain new powers to seize boarded-up shops, block nuisance businesses, and buy “beloved” local assets before they close.

The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “For too long, people have watched their towns and streets decline – powerless to stop boarded-up shops and neglected parks. That ends now.

“We’re investing in the UK’s future, by backing the true patriots that build our communities up in neighbourhoods across every corner of the country.

“Because it’s people who bring pride, hope and life to our communities.

“This is a huge investment, but what matters most is who decides how it’s spent: the neighbours, volunteers and parents who know their communities best – the people with real skin in the game.

“We’re choosing renewal over decline, unity over division. This is our Plan for Change in action – giving power and pride back to the people who make Britain great.”