Newcastle appoints Pride in Place chairs

The Bishop of Newcastle and a senior NHS leader have been appointed to chair the neighbourhood boards overseeing £40 million of community investment across Newcastle.

Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley will chair the Elswick Pride in Place Board, while Paul Hanson, director of estates, facilities and strategic partnerships at Newcastle Hospitals, has been appointed chair of the Walker Board.

The boards will oversee funding allocated through the Government’s Pride in Place programme, which will invest in community organisations, buildings and public spaces over the next decade.

Bishop Helen-Ann has served as Bishop of Newcastle since 2023, while Paul is a former chief executive of North Tyneside Council and a senior figure within the NHS.

Bishop Helen-Ann said: “Elswick is a vibrant and diverse part of Newcastle with so many voluntary and community organisations doing such valuable work and much potential for this funding to make a real, once-in-a-lifetime difference to the area. 

“I was delighted when I heard that Newcastle was included in the Pride in Place programme and now incredibly excited that I will play a part in this through the neighbourhood board for Elswick.”

Paul added: “The Pride in Place programme will support physical improvements alongside the development of organisations, services and activities; investments that will benefit local neighbourhoods for years to come.

“Walker has seen many changes and much regeneration over the years, but strong communities have always been a constant. 

“I’ll be proud to chair the board that will continue to put Walker and its residents at the heart of how the area develops.  

“As a team, Newcastle Hospitals want to make sure we play a full part in the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve.”

Their appointments come as recruitment begins for board members from the local community. 

The boards will be responsible for developing neighbourhood plans and ensuring funding is directed towards local priorities in Elswick and Walker.

Councillor Colin Ferguson, newly elected leader of Newcastle City Council, added: “We have ambitious plans for Newcastle and have always been clear that communities need to be at the heart of decision-making, so it is fantastic to see momentum building around Pride in Place.

“Bishop Helen-Ann and Paul bring with them a wealth of experience and will be well-placed to work with local communities to ensure that this funding has the greatest impact, helping to create high-quality public spaces and dignified neighbourhoods we can all be proud of. 

“I’m looking forward to working with them and the boards as they become established.”

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