Pride in Place Programme
The Pride in Place Programme is a new, national initiative, providing funding of up to £20 million over 10 years for areas identified by the government as most in need of support.
This long-term investment presents a significant opportunity for communities to address their local priorities and make lasting, positive change for their residents. The strategic objectives of the programme are to:
- build stronger communities
- create thriving places
- empower people to take back control
There are three neighbourhoods in North Northamptonshire which will receive this funding:
- Avondale Grange, Kettering
- Kingswood, Hazel Leys and Exeter
- Queensway, Wellingborough
Neighbourhood boards
Each area will set up a neighbourhood board to decide where and how funding will be spent. They will be responsible for developing a 10-year vision and a regeneration plan, setting out the priorities and the projects to be delivered.
Each board will be led by an independent chair, chosen by the local council in consultation with the local MP (who will also be on the board). A ward councillor will also be part of the board to represent residents' concerns, ensuring local voices are heard throughout the programme.
Independent Chair
Gail Lewis has been appointed Chair of the Avondale Grange Neighbourhood Board.
Board Members
- Rosie Wrighting, MP for Kettering
- Councillor Julie Howe, NNC Ward Member
- PS Steve Cheatham, Northamptonshire Police
- Billie Stevenson, Resident
- Chloe Buckenham, Headteacher Kettering Buccleuch Academy
- David Rose, Resident
- Dr Raffaella Poggi, GP
- Kathy Webster, Retired Chartered Accountant
- Lottie, resident and youth representative
- Kelvin Singh, Business representative (Weetabix)
- Chris Langdon, Hanwood Park
- Karen Hayes, Citizen’s Advice
Launch event
People living, working and connected to Avondale Grange were invited to the free launch event on Saturday 5 September, at Grange Place. They enjoyed a free Family Fun Day with face painting, circus skills, balloon modelling and street artists. Residents were able to learn about the project and share ideas for improving their community.
Board meetings
16 October 2026
6 November 2026
Independent Chair
Alex Bonner has been appointed as the Chair of the Kingswood, Hazel Leys and Exeter Neighbourhood Board
Other Board Members already appointed
- Lee Barron, MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire
- Councillor Helen Campbell, NNC Ward Member
- Greg McLean, Northamptonshire Police
- Faye Harris, Hope Church
- Alex Booth, Booths Garden Studios - Business representative
- Denis - Head Boy, Kingswood Secondary Academy
- Jade McGrath, Probation Officer and Exeter resident
- Andrew McMichael, Chair Hazel Leys Community Centre
- Alexander Lock, Exeter resident
- Katie Clark, Lakeside Surgery - Health representative
- Kerry McNulty, Kingswood Children’s Centre manager
- Lynn Johnston, Kingswood Neighbourhood Centre
- Cullen, 6th form student, Corby Technical School and Beanfield resident
Launch event
People living, working and connected to Kingswood, Hazel Leys, Exeter and Beanfield are invited to a free launch event on Saturday 17 October, at Kingswood Secondary Academy between 12 noon and 3pm. They will be able to enjoy a free Family Fun Day with a range of activities and food. Residents will be able to learn more about the programme and share ideas for improving their community.
Board meetings
Independent Chair
Nicky Kingsnorth, Regional Director of the Lions Academy Trust has been appointed as the Chair of the Queensway Neighbourhood Board
Other Board Members already appointed:
- Gen Kitchen, MP for Wellingborough and Rushden
- Councillor Jonathan Carvetta, NNC Ward Member
- PS Dani Vale, Northamptonshire Police
- Chris Holloway, Greatwell Homes
- Chris Ellis, Queensway Medical Centre
- Elaine Fuller, Resident
- Kudzai Midzi, Resident
- Jenny Young, Resident
- Lisa Martin, Resident
- Glenroy Bell, Resident
- Layne Gray, Community Governor at Weavers Academy
- Rowan Williams, Vicar at St Marks Church
Launch event
People living, working and connected to Wellingborough’s Queensway estate were invited to the free launch event on 22 of August, at Olympic Primary. It was an opportunity to enjoy a free Family Fun Day with bouncy castles, face painting, arts and crafts and more and learn about the project. Residents are invited to continue to and share ideas for improving your community.
Further information is available.
Board meetings
Timescales
The initial phases of the programme are as follows:
- Winter 2025 and early 2026: Each area will receive an information pack and there will be polling to gather local sentiment around investment priorities for the area
- Spring 2026: the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) will issue 2026 to 2027 capacity funding to the local authority (the accountable body), for the day-to-day operations and administration of the programme
- Summer 2026: Each area to confirm their board membership, and any proposals to alter their 'default' area boundary, to MHCLG by 17 July 2026
- Winter 2026 and early 2027: Each area to submit a regeneration plan to MHCLG for review and approval
- Spring 2027: MHCLG to make first payment for delivery of the regeneration plan, marking the start of the delivery phase
Resources
- Prospectus - Pride in Place Programme prospectus - GOV.UK
- FAQ’s - Pride in Place Programme: FAQ - GOV.UK
- Further information: [email protected]
Last updated 15 October 2026