Communities take the lead: £20 million for each area through Pride in Place

People who care about their communities in Boscombe West, Hamworthy West and Turlin Moor, and West Howe now have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help shape the future of where they live — with up to £20 million available for each area through the UK Government’s Pride in Place programme.

Applications are now open for local residents to help lead this major, community-driven investment, putting local voices at the heart of decisions that could transform public spaces, strengthen neighbourhoods, and deliver lasting change over the next decade.

Three local areas selected for investment

The three neighbourhoods in Bournemouth and Poole have been chosen as part of Pride in Place — a community-led project designed to build partnerships between residents, community groups, local government and local MPs.

Each area will receive up to £20 million in investment and support over the next ten years — and crucially, the community will decide how that money is shaped and spent.

“A great way to give back”

Cllr Sandra Moore, BCP Council Cabinet member for communities and partnerships, encouraged residents to get involved:

“Pride in Place is all about working with and for your community and I would encourage anyone who wants to help improve things locally to get involved and apply today.

“Being part of the programme is a great way to give back and do an awful lot of good for your friends, neighbours and everyone who lives alongside you.”

Neighbourhood boards to lead the plans

Boscombe West, Hamworthy West and Turlin Moor, and West Howe will each form a Neighbourhood Board to:

• Engage with local people
• Set a vision for the area
• Develop investment priorities
• Design and deliver a local Pride in Place Plan

Boards will include representatives from local communities, residents, community groups and businesses, and will be chaired by an independent Pride in Place Neighbourhood Chair.

The Chair will act as a champion for the area, providing strategic leadership and ensuring the board is genuinely community-led, inclusive, and rooted in local priorities.

How to apply

If you want to have a say in how £20 million is spent in your area, you can apply to become a board member or apply for the position of Chair.

More information is available at: www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/prideinplace

No previous experience is needed — training will be provided — but local insight is essential.