At a Glance
- The Government’s Pride in Place programme has awarded £20 million over the next 10 years to support improvements across the ward.
- Most importantly, local people will have a say in how that money is spent.
- A Shoeburyness Neighbourhood Board has now been formed.
- Residents are invited to attend two workshops to share their ideas and priorities.
- The funding belongs to the community and the success of the programme will depend on local people getting involved and having their voices heard.
What would you do with £20 million to improve Shoeburyness?
It’s a question local residents living and working in Shoeburyness ward now have the opportunity to help answer, thanks to the Government’s Pride in Place programme, which has awarded £20 million over the next 10 years to support improvements across the ward.
This significant investment is designed to make a real difference to people’s lives. The funding will be used to support projects that strengthen communities, create opportunities, improve neighbourhoods and help build a stronger future for local residents.
Most importantly, local people will have a say in how that money is spent.
A Community-Led Approach
To help guide the programme, a Shoeburyness Neighbourhood Board has now been formed. Made up of local residents and community leaders, the Board is currently developing a four-year investment plan that will set priorities for the early years of the programme.
The Board is clear that local knowledge and local experience matter. Residents understand the challenges facing their neighbourhood better than anyone else, and they often have the best ideas about what improvements would make the biggest difference.
That is why community engagement sits at the heart of the Pride in Place programme. The Board wants to hear from people of all ages and backgrounds about their hopes, ideas and aspirations for Shoeburyness.
Why Was Shoeburyness Selected?
The Pride in Place programme focuses on neighbourhoods across the country that face significant social and economic challenges.
Shoeburyness Ward was identified through national measures that look at issues such as pay, skills, productivity and community cohesion. The funding recognises that, whilst there are challenges to address, there is also enormous potential to build on local strengths and create lasting improvements for future generations.
This funding is not simply about tackling problems. It is about investing in people, places and opportunities, while strengthening local pride and helping communities flourish.
So Much to Celebrate
Anyone who lives in Shoeburyness knows there is already plenty to be proud of.
From the beautiful coastline and open spaces to the area’s rich history and strong sense of community, Shoeburyness has much that residents value deeply. East Beach, Shoebury and Friars Parks and countless other local spaces are enjoyed by families, walkers, sports groups and visitors throughout the year.
The ward also benefits from dedicated volunteers, community groups and residents who care passionately about where they live.
Yet alongside these strengths, many people believe there is still room for improvement. Better facilities, more activities for young people, improvements to public spaces, support for health and wellbeing, cleaner environments, community projects and opportunities for local businesses are just some of the ideas already being discussed.
The challenge now is to identify projects that will deliver meaningful, long-term benefits while preserving the unique character of Shoeburyness.
Have Your Say
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of Pride in Place is that the community has a genuine opportunity to shape what happens next.
Residents are invited to attend two workshops to share their ideas and priorities:
- Monday 16 November, 6 – 7.30pm
Friars School - Saturday 21 November, 1 – 2.30pm
Hinguar School
Both workshops are open to all residents, with no booking required.
This is a rare opportunity to think big about the future of Shoeburyness. What would make your neighbourhood better? What opportunities could be created for future generations? What changes would make you feel even prouder of where you live?
Whether it is an improvement to a local park, a new community initiative, support for young people, better facilities or something entirely different, every suggestion helps build a picture of what residents want for the future.
The funding belongs to the community and the success of the programme will depend on local people getting involved and having their voices heard.
Opportunities like this do not come along often. With £20 million available over the next decade, Shoeburyness has a unique chance to build on its strengths, address local priorities and create a lasting legacy. The conversation has already begun. Now is the time for residents to share their ideas and help shape the future of their community.
By Tricia Cowdrey
Committee Member for Pride in Place
tricia.cowdrey@gmail.com