Issue - meetings

To receive an update on the Pride In Place funding awarded to the St Nicholas area in Stevenage.

Cabinet received a report seeking approval of the initial steps required to establish a resident-led Pride in Place Programme for St Nicholas, following the award of £20 million Government funding.  Members were advised that the programme aimed to deliver long-term improvements over the next 10 years, focusing on priorities identified by residents, including the physical environment, community facilities, health and wellbeing, community safety, skills, employment and life chances.

Members were advised that a St Nicholas Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board would be established by the end of August 2026 which would oversee development of a 10-year neighbourhood plan and a four-year investment programme for submission to Government in February 2027. The Council would initially act as the accountable body, providing governance, financial oversight and programme support, while enabling residents and local partners to lead the development of the vision and priorities.  It was also noted that a chair for the Neighbourhood Board had been recommended for appointment and, subject to the completion of the necessary checks, details would be made public in due course.

Following a number of questions, the Leader advised that work was underway to establish a “Friends of St Nicholas” initiative to encourage wider community participation in the Pride in Place programme.  Members were pleased to note that a programme of engagement events was being developed for August, supported in part through Local Community Budget funding.  Once the appointment of the Neighbourhood Board Chair had been confirmed, arrangements would be made to involve relevant stakeholders, including the Chair, local Members, the MP and officers, in supporting these events and the ongoing development of the programme.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    That the award of Pride in Place funding to the St Nicholas area and the role of Stevenage Borough Council as the initial accountable body for the programme be noted.

2.    That the proposed approach to establishing the St Nicholas Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board to support the initial stages of the programme be approved.

3.    That delegated authority be given to the Strategic Director (JB), having consulted with the Leader of the Council and the Portfolio Holder for Stronger Communities & Equalities, to develop the St Nicholas Pride in Place Plan for submission to government by February 2027.

4.    That a further report be brought forward ahead of the February 2027 submission deadline, setting out the St Nicholas Pride in Place Plan.

Cabinet received a report seeking approval of the initial steps required to establish a resident-led Pride in Place Programme for St Nicholas, following the award of £20 million Government funding.  Members were advised that the programme aimed to deliver long-term improvements over the next 10 years, focusing on priorities identified by residents, including the physical environment, community facilities, health and wellbeing, community safety, skills, employment and life chances.

Members were advised that a St Nicholas Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board would be established by the end of August 2026 which would oversee development of a 10-year neighbourhood plan and a four-year investment programme for submission to Government in February 2027. The Council would initially act as the accountable body, providing governance, financial oversight and programme support, while enabling residents and local partners to lead the development of the vision and priorities.  It was also noted that a chair for the Neighbourhood Board had been recommended for appointment and, subject to the completion of the necessary checks, details would be made public in due course.

Following a number of questions, the Leader advised that work was underway to establish a “Friends of St Nicholas” initiative to encourage wider community participation in the Pride in Place programme.  Members were pleased to note that a programme of engagement events was being developed for August, supported in part through Local Community Budget funding.  Once the appointment of the Neighbourhood Board Chair had been confirmed, arrangements would be made to involve relevant stakeholders, including the Chair, local Members, the MP and officers, in supporting these events and the ongoing development of the programme.

Members welcomed the positive developments for St Nicholas and expressed support for the work of the newly established board.  They emphasised the importance of a coordinated approach, noting that once the Board had identified its priorities, the Council should actively work alongside its partner organisations and agencies to support the delivery of local ambitions.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing then highlighted the Council’s housing interests within St Nicholas and referred to a range of housing improvement projects which would take place over the coming years.  She confirmed that the Housing service would support the Board and contribute to the success of its objectives.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    That the award of Pride in Place funding to the St Nicholas area and the role of Stevenage Borough Council as the initial accountable body for the programme be noted.

2.    That the proposed approach to establishing the St Nicholas Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board to support the initial stages of the programme be approved.

3.    That delegated authority be given to the Strategic Director (JB), having consulted with the Leader of the Council and the Portfolio Holder for Stronger Communities & Equalities, to develop the St Nicholas Pride in Place Plan for submission to government by February 2027.

4.    That a further report be brought forward ahead of the February 2027 submission deadline, setting out the St Nicholas Pride in Place Plan.