built by
blakenall
Areas of Blakenall, Harden and Goscote have secured up to £20 Million in funding over the next ten years.
An opportunity
for the area
Pride in Place is a UK Government programme that will bring up to £20 million into parts of Blakenall, Harden and Goscote over the next ten years.
It is a chance to make lasting improvements to the area and invest in the things that matter most to the people who live here.
What makes Pride in Place different is that the plan will not arrive already written. It will be built locally, with people from across the area helping to decide what matters and where the money goes.
BUILT WITH THE COMMUNITY. BUILT IN THE OPEN.
People who live here know the area better than anyone — what matters, what is missing and where the money could make the biggest difference.
That is why the plan will be built with the community, with local people deciding what matters, what gets backed and where the money goes.
And it will be built in the open, not behind closed doors.
THE STORY
SO FAR
Throughout the summer, people across Blakenall, Harden and Goscote have given their time, shared their experiences and helped get the conversation started.
At community activities, in group discussions and online, people have spoken about life here, what matters and what needs to change.
Some have brought friends and neighbours into the conversation. Others have offered their time and practical help.
Thank you to everyone who has taken part so far. These contributions are helping shape what comes next.
THE
CONVERSATION IS JUST
BEGINNING
Hundreds of people have already begun to have their say, but we’ve only scratched the surface.
Early conversations have brought out what people value about their neighbourhood, their green spaces and local groups, alongside raising concerns such as safety, litter and neglected public places.
Activities for young people, support for different ages and needs, and access to work and training have also been raised.
The next stage will invite more people into the conversation, with the Neighbourhood Board working alongside the wider community to create a plan.
What would you add to the conversation?
WAYS to Get involved
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Tell us what matters, what could be better or what we may have missed.
Have a conversation with Chinwag, our AI-powered listening helper. You can speak or type, in your own time.
Prefer to contact the team with ideas? Use the form below
HELP SHAPE THE DECISIONS
We’re still inviting people to express an interest in joining the Neighbourhood Board. You can also register an interest in supporting its work as opportunities develop.
You don’t need previous Board experience. Local knowledge, different perspectives and a commitment to the area matter.
BRING OTHERS INTO THE CONVERSATION
Help us reach more people. You could introduce a local group, share the invitation with neighbours or help bring people together for a conversation.
KEEP UP TO DATE
Follow the progress, hear how the plans are developing and find out about future opportunities to take part.
COME AND HAVE A CONVERSATION
Talk to one of the team about Blakenall, what matters to you and who else we should meet.
SPEAK IN YOUR OWN TIME
Have a quick online conversation with “Chinwag” our AI assistant and share what is on your mind.
Spread the word
Pass this page to someone who cares about the area and who may want to get involved or give their views.
Join the neighbourhood board
A local group will speak up for the community, make sure local voices are heard and help turn those views into decisions and action.
Meet Chinwag
Chinwag is our Pride in Place listening helper. Powered by AI and designed specifically for people who may not have the time to attend a local meeting or prefer to give input online.
It’s easy to use and voice activated. Just have a 5 minute “Chinwag” about what matters to you and give your views on how Pride in Place can make the biggest difference to where you live.
- faq
Frequently Asked Questions
Have another question?
Contact us at Info@blakenall.place
What is Pride in Place?
Pride in Place is a long-term programme backed by the UK Government.
It will bring up to £20 million into the area over ten years. Local people will help decide what matters most, build the plan and decide where the money goes.
Which area is included?
The current Pride in Place area covers parts of Blakenall, Harden and Goscote. It does not cover every street in those places
Why does the area not follow the usual neighbourhood boundaries?
The original area was drawn using government data.
But real life does not always follow a line on a map. People may use places, services and community spaces outside the current area or feel closely connected to nearby streets.
That is why the early conversations will also explore how people see the area and the parts they feel closest to.
Has the plan already been written?
No. The first stage is about building a shared picture of the area, what matters most and people’s hopes for the future with Pride in Place. What people share will help shape the priorities, the plan and the decisions.
Who will decide how the money is used?
Local people will be at the heart of the decisions. A local group will represent the community, champion what people are saying and help turn those views into priorities, decisions and action. The group will be led by a Community Chair.
What is the Community Chair?
The Community Chair is an important local leadership role. They will lead the local group, bring different voices together and make sure the community stays at the heart of the programme. The Chair will not make decisions alone or run projects day to day.
What is Chinwag?
Chinwag is a simple online conversation tool.
It asks a few questions about the area, what matters and your hopes for the future. It takes around five minutes and can be completed in your own time.
Is Chinwag a real person?
No. Chinwag uses artificial intelligence to guide the conversation and ask follow-up questions.
A small team working on Pride in Place will bring together the main themes people share.
Where can I ask another question?
Email info@blakenall.place