At a Glance:
- Shoeburyness to receive up to £20 million from the Government’s Pride in Place Programme
- An initial £1.5 million to fund community-led improvements for the first two years
- A new Neighbourhood Board will include residents, businesses, community organisations, and the local MP
Shoeburyness has been selected to receive up to £20 million of funding and support over the next decade through the Government’s Pride in Place Programme.
This will be directed through Southend-on-Sea City Council aimed at building stronger communities, creating thriving places, and empowering local people.
A newly established Neighbourhood Board will be responsible for producing a 10-year vision for the area and will decide how to prioritise funding, based on extensive community engagement.
The initial £1.5m funding for the first two years will support a range of community-led improvements in Shoeburyness, helping to create a safer, healthier, and more vibrant neighbourhood that reflects the pride residents feel for their area.
Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Shoeburyness to shape its own future and builds on the incredible sense of community that already exists here.
“Our key next step is to create a Neighbourhood Board so that we can work together with residents, businesses, and community organisations, as well as the local MP, to build a city that we can all be proud of.”
Bayo Alaba, MP for Southend East and Rochford, welcomed the announcement and described it as a long-awaited recognition of Shoebury’s potential.
He said:
“For too long, Shoeburyness has been overlooked, and I’m so glad that the Government has listened and is starting to put this right. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for an area so rich in history and culture.”