Blacon residents to lead £20m community investment
Blacon is set to receive a transformative £20 million investment over the next decade, with decision-making power handed directly to local people. This funding, part of the UK-wide Pride in Place grant programme, aims to empower the community to shape its own future through a newly formed Neighbourhood Board. Unlike traditional top-down regeneration schemes, this initiative requires the local community to define its own priorities and manage how the budget is allocated through 2036.
Residents have already begun influencing the direction of the programme. Information has been shared across the area, and locals were recently invited to complete a survey detailing their specific ideas for community improvement. Engagement has extended to several local schools and community groups, ensuring that younger voices and established grassroots organizations are included in the initial priority-setting phase. A local drop-in event also provided a forum for residents to voice their concerns and aspirations directly to officials.
Direct community control over £20 million funding
The core objective of the Pride in Place programme in Blacon is to build a stronger, more resilient community by creating thriving local spaces. The £20 million grant is intended to provide the financial backing for long-term projects that residents believe will have the most significant impact on their daily lives. By placing the budget in the hands of a representative board, the programme seeks to ensure that every pound spent reflects the actual needs of those living and working in the area.
This shift toward localism is designed to allow residents to take back control of their environment. The funding is not a one-off payment but a sustained 10-year commitment, allowing for complex, multi-stage regeneration projects that might include improvements to public realm, community facilities, or local economic support. The specific nature of these projects will remain flexible until the community-led plan is finalized later this year.
Composition of the Blacon Neighbourhood Board
To manage the delivery of the programme, a dedicated Neighbourhood Board for Blacon is currently being established. This body will be responsible for further community engagement and the finalization of a delivery plan. The board is designed to be a microcosm of the area, bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders who have a deep connection to Blacon.
Membership will include local residents, business owners, and grassroots campaigners. To ensure a holistic approach to community development, the board will also feature workplace representatives, faith leaders, and community organizers. This structure is intended to prevent any single interest group from dominating the agenda, ensuring that the final regeneration plan is balanced and inclusive. Decision-making authority sits entirely with this representative board, giving the local population the power to approve or reject spending proposals.
Application requirements for the Board Chair
The search has officially launched for a Chair to lead the Neighbourhood Board. This individual will act as the primary area champion and will be responsible for leading engagement efforts that reach deep into the community. The role is pivotal in ensuring that the board remains community-led and transparent in its decision-making processes.
Applications are open to current residents of Blacon or individuals with strong, demonstrable connections to the area. Candidates are required to submit a CV along with a 500-word supporting statement outlining their vision for the role and their connection to the community. The closing date for all submissions is Wednesday, May 27, 2026. The successful candidate will be expected to facilitate collaboration between the various groups represented on the board and act as a liaison with the wider Cheshire West and Chester region.
Project timeline and delivery milestones
The formation of the Blacon Neighbourhood Board is expected to be completed by July 2026. Once the board is fully assembled and the Chair is in place, the group will move quickly to draft a comprehensive regeneration plan. This document will outline the specific priorities identified through community surveys and drop-in events, providing a roadmap for the first phase of funding.
This plan is scheduled for submission in the Autumn of 2026. Following the approval of the plan, the first physical projects and social initiatives are slated for delivery starting in Spring 2027. This timeline ensures that while the funding spans a decade, residents will begin to see tangible changes in the local area within the next twelve months.
Source: Cheshire West and Chester Council
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