The Leader of Nottingham City Council has welcomed further news of a £20m funding boost for Clifton.
The Government has announced more details of its £1.5bn Plan For Neighbourhoods scheme, which aims to bring communities together with a long-term strategy to regenerate. It has three main objectives:
- Building thriving places
• Strengthening communities
• Handing control back to local people
This programme replaces the
former Long-Term Plan For Towns launched by the previous Government, which had identified Clifton as a recipient of funding in October 2023. Nottingham is one of 75 areas chosen across the country.
The current Government initially paused the scheme when it came to power last summer, but has now published a project prospectus which has Clifton listed as an eligible place under its Plan For Neighbourhoods.
A Town Board was set up following the announcement of funding in October 2023 which is chaired by Stephen Hackney, the Pastor of Hope Church, in Clifton.
The aim is to put power in the hands of local people to address deprivation and support lasting regeneration. Boards bring together residents, businesses, grassroots campaigners, workplace representatives, faith and community leaders.
In consultation with the community, it will generate a vision for the future of Clifton and create a plan to bring about this change over the course
of the 10-year programme and beyond.
Clifton’s existing board will now be refreshed to ensure that it reflects these new priorities, meaning it’s likely that there may be opportunities for wider participation in the decision making, such as involvement in working groups.
Extensive consultation has already been carried out and the community has provided a clear direction on what it wants to see improved. This includes:
- Investment and improvement of existing parks and open spaces
• New spaces and activities to bring the community together, including more youth activities
• Enhanced facilities which will last for generations
• Better retail offer by improving the high street and market
The board will be revisiting this feedback based on new priorities and will undertake more consultation, so there will be plenty of opportunities for people to have their say on how the funding is invested.
Councillor Neghat Khan, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “This is great news for Nottingham and especially for our residents in Clifton, who will see an incredible regeneration of their community over the next decade.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Town Board, under the stewardship of Stephen Hackney, and I’m especially pleased that local people are being put at the heart of decision-making.
“I’d urge everyone to come forward with their views when the next consultation starts on how we can best invest this important funding for the long-term benefit of Clifton.”
Stephen Hackney, Chair of the Board, said: “Confirmation of the new prospectus from Government is the news we have been waiting for since the new administration came in.
“Our work behind the scenes has continued over this time and we are delighted to have formal confirmation that we can proceed with, delivering a strategy and plan for Clifton informed by local people to enhance our community.
“We look forward to taking further steps at our next meeting and to keeping people updated as this new and exciting opportunity for Clifton unfolds.”