£20m investment plan approved

The 10-year Regeneration Plan and four-year Investment Plan was submitted to government by Dudley Council on behalf of the Dudley Neighbourhood Board last November

The plans were shaped by extensive community engagement last summer, and outlined a community vision for the next decade, setting out the priority areas for investment within the first four years up to March 2030.

Government endorsement of the plans marks a significant milestone and recognises the residents who helped shape them through local engagement.

Funding from the government’s Pride in Place programme, formerly known as Plan for Neighbourhoods, will now be released over the next decade to support improvements across the programme area, from Priory to Dudley Wood, including Netherton and Dudley town centres.

The board will soon begin delivering its year one priorities through the launch of a Community Grants Fund to support local projects and community-led activity across the programme area.

Grants of up to £20,000 will be available for projects which meet the eligibility criteria and contribute to the aims of the Pride in Place programme. 

Applications are welcomed across all programme themes, with priority given to projects supporting the locally identified key priorities.  These include improving public spaces, buildings and heritage, supporting safety and crime reduction, enhancing education, family support and youth opportunities, and strengthening community cohesion.

A launch event is being held on June 5 from 10am to 1pm at DY1 Community Centre for groups to find out more about the Community Grants Fund, the eligibility criteria and how to apply. To register visit: https://DudleyPiPPcommunitygrantscheme.eventbrite.com

Information and an application form will also be on the website from midday June 5. The closing date for applications is July 3 at 5pm.

Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member for economy and infrastructure, said:

“We’re delighted the government has approved our regeneration and investment plans.

“This exciting £20 million programme will run over the course of 10 years and the board is putting local people and their priorities at the centre of the process.

“The board has wasted no time in getting on to delivering against the plans with the launch of the Community Grants Fund.

“I would encourage any groups looking to deliver projects within the programme area to check they are eligible, consider who they might be able to partner with for greater impact and either come to the launch event or look on the Regenerating Dudley website from June 5 to find out more and apply.”

The Dudley Neighbourhood Board is leading the programme and has representatives from community groups, politicians, the police, education, visitor attractions and businesses operating in the area and is supported by Dudley Council. 

Neil Thomas, chair of the Dudley Neighbourhood Board, said:

“On behalf of the board, we are absolutely thrilled to see this funding now start to appear and to get this out to community projects.

“My particular thanks go to our community researchers who did so much work to gather feedback from across our communities, which helped inform our regeneration and investment plans.

“We have heard loud and clear what our neighbourhoods want and as a board it will be our job to make sure this funding gets spent against those priorities. That is why we have decided to use the first batch of funding we have received to focus on community grants.

“However, this is just the start of a 10-year journey. There will be further opportunities to access funding each year, including funding for larger projects and capital developments.

“So keep an eye on our website and if you would like to play a greater role in the Pride in Place programme by becoming a community researcher or a member of the Neighbourhood Board, please do get in touch. “

​For more information on the Pride in Place programme visit https://www.regeneratingdudley.org.uk/pride-in-place