Newcastle lands £80 million community fund

An £80 million funding boost is set to support neighbourhood regeneration across Newcastle, allowing residents to be “at the forefront of positive change”.

The investment, delivered through the Government’s Pride in Place Programme (PiPP), targeting areas including Fawdon, North Kenton, Throckley, Newburn, Walbottle, Elswick and Walker.

The latest £40 million allocation will be split evenly between Throckley, Newburn and Walbottle, and Fawdon and North Kenton, following a previous £40 million investment announced for Walker and Elswick last year.

The programme aims to shift power from central Government to local communities, enabling residents to take the lead on how funding is spent in their areas.

Community-led boards will be established in each location, bringing together residents, businesses and local organisations to identify priorities and shape proposals.

The funding is expected to support the protection and development of key local assets and services, while addressing challenges specific to each neighbourhood.

Councillor Karen Kilgour, leader of Newcastle City Council, who grew up in Fawdon, said: “I am delighted that residents in four corners of our city are going to benefit from £80 million of funding that could help transform their communities.

“This is a game-changer for Geordies who have a huge amount of pride in the place they call home and who can now be at the forefront of positive change.

“I grew up in Fawdon and I know the huge impact this funding will have for local people, businesses and community groups there, in Red House Farm and in North Kenton.

“It is also incredible to see Throckley, Newburn and Walbottle receive a huge cash boost. 

“There is a strong sense of community in each of the areas chosen and this programme will only strengthen it.

“Some of our communities have suffered from more than a decade of austerity and I welcome the efforts from this Government to reverse the damage that has been done.

“It is also fantastic that once again it will be those people who knows these communities the best will be leading on what can be a truly transformative programme for our city.”

By placing decision-making in the hands of local people, the initiative is designed to drive long-term improvements and strengthen communities across the city.

Joe Morris, Labour MP for Hexham, who campaigned for the funding, added: “The people of Throckley, Walbottle and Newburn know their areas better than anyone else and that is why the government has decided to do this differently.  

“This is your opportunity to shape your community by making the decisions that matter. 

“As the people who understand your area best, you can help direct funding where it’s needed most and make your community an even better place to live. 

“I am delighted that Throckley, Walbottle and Newburn will get the funding they deserve to help improve the lives of all who live there. 

“They are special, close communities and they deserve this proper investment. 

“I look forward to seeing what local people decide to invest the £20 million into.”

Catherine McKinnell, MP for Newcastle North, added: “I’m delighted we have secured this investment for Fawdon, Red House Farm and North Kenton, and I am looking forward to working with the local community to invest this money in making the changes we want to see.”

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