Cricket club chief to lead on £20m of community improvements

The chief executive at Derbyshire County Cricket Club has been appointed chair of a board set up to drive forward £20 million of community-led improvements in an area of Derby.

As part of the £20 million Pride in Place funding from the Government’s Pride in Place Strategy, Ryan Duckett has been selected as independent chair of the Pride in Place, Chaddesden West Board.

The selection follows an interview held last month by a panel of residents, local partners, councillors, and the Member of Parliament for Derby North, Catherine Atkinson.

The board will be made up of local residents, community organisations, businesses, public sector partners, and Catherine Atkinson MP.

The board will set out local priorities, oversee delivery and develop a shared 10-year vision for Chaddesden West based on what matters most to the community.

The £20 million in funding from the Pride in Place programme will support long-term regeneration in Chaddesden West, running from April 2026 to March 2036.

It will bring significant investment into the area, aiming to improve everyday life for residents by investing in local priorities such as community facilities, public spaces, opportunities for young people and initiatives that strengthen pride and connection.

Ryan said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed to this role; this is a great opportunity to deliver significant improvements and facilities for residents in Chaddesden West.

“I look forward to working with residents to implement meaningful change, as well as key stakeholders in the community, to set out key priorities and a shared vision for the future.”

Councillor Sarah Chambers, Derby City Council’s cabinet member for communities, equalities and public safety, said: “I’m thrilled that Ryan has been selected for the role of independent chair to lead the Pride in Place Board.

“The £20 million funding will help to build stronger communities and create thriving places for residents.

“I’m excited to see the work that the board will do implement a 10-year investment programme where residents’ voices will be at the centre of change.”

Catherine Atkinson MP said: “Ryan Duckett’s appointment as independent chair is a really positive step for Chaddesden West.

“He knows Derby, he knows how to lead, and he will bring people together around a shared plan for the area.”