MP welcomes appointment of new Chair for Sheffield Heeley’s Pride in Place programme
Louise Haigh MP has welcomed the appointment of Kris Mackay as the new Independent Chair for the Batemoor, Jordanthorpe and Lowedges neighbourhood board as part of Sheffield’s Pride in Place programme.
Pride in Place is a long-term Government funded programme that will invest £20 million over the next ten years in Batemoor, Jordanthorpe and Lowedges, supporting projects that improve the local area and reflect the priorities of residents.
The programme represents a once in a generation opportunity for local people to help shape the future of their community, with neighbourhood boards playing a central role in deciding how funding is used and ensuring investment delivers meaningful change for local residents.
Louise Haigh MP welcomed Kris Mackay’s appointment and encouraged local people to get involved by applying to join the neighbourhood board.
Louise Haigh MP for Sheffield Heeley said:
“I’m delighted to welcome Kris Mackay as the new Independent Chair for Batemoor, Jordanthorpe and Lowedges’ Pride in Place programme. Kris bring with her a wealth of experience in helping to deliver community led projects.
“This £20 million investment is a huge opportunity to deliver the improvements local people want to see in their neighbourhoods and ensure our communities receive the long-term support they deserve.
“The success of this programme will depend on local people being at its heart. I would encourage anyone who feels they can make a real difference to their community and the future of Batemoor, Jordanthorpe and Lowedges to consider applying to join the neighbourhood board and help shape how this funding is invested over the coming decade.
“If resident are unable to be part of the Board then we will be speaking to all residents over the summer to find out what their priorities are for their community, so look out for more details on my website.”
Kris Mackay, Independent Chair for Batemoor, Jordanthorpe and Lowedges, said:
“As Independent Chair of Pride in Place, my hope is that in ten years’ time local people can look back and say that this was the moment our community started to shape its own future.
“Pride in Place gives us a different opportunity form the community investment programmes of the last decade: not simply to spend £20 million, but to use it as a catalyst to unlock greater ambition, attract further investment and build the confidence, capability and partnerships needed for long-term success over a 10-year strategic investment programme.
“I want this programme to be rooted in the knowledge, experience and aspirations of local people. The role of the neighbourhood Board is not to tell communities what they need, but to work alongside them understand where sustainable opportunities lie, to create a shared vision for the future, make good decisions, and hold ourselves accountable for delivery.
“The programme success will be measured by whether more people feel proud of where they live, whether young people believe they have a future here, whether local businesses can thrive, and whether residents can see visible improvements in their place they live and for the people they care about.
“My ambition is that our Sheffield Pride in Place projects become strong national examples of what is possible when communities, public services, businesses and local organisations work together with a shared sense of purpose. If we are bold enough, ambitious enough and committed enough, we can create change that lasts for generations.”
Applications are now open for residents, workers and community representatives who would like to join the neighbourhood board. Most members must live or work within Batemoor, Jordanthorpe and Lowedges, and people from a wide range of backgrounds are encouraged to apply. No specialist experience is required, organisers are looking for people who are passionate about their community and want to make a difference.
Those interested in applying can find out more and submit an application via: https://local-area-committees.sheffield.gov.uk/pride-place/board-members
Residents can also attend a drop-in session to learn more about the programme and board membership opportunities. The event for Batemoor, Jordanthorpe and Lowedges will take place on Thursday 18 June from 1.30pm to 4.30pm at Unit 3, Jordanthorpe Precinct. For further information please contact prideinplacelbj@sheffield.gov.uk
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