It’s a pleasure to welcome you to the Pride in St Helens newsletter, thank you for signing up to be part of this exciting journey. Pride in Place is about putting communities at the heart of regeneration, and that means having residents involved every step of the way, shaping priorities, sharing ideas, and helping to build a stronger future for our neighbourhoods. Your voice is vital to making this a success.
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Rt Hon Steve Reed joins Pride in St Helens
On Friday 24th April, Steve Reed MP, Government Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government visited the borough, joining Marie Rimmer MP, Steve Rotheram, David Baines MP and Councillor Anthony Burns in touring the town centre and fingerpost for Pride in St Helens.
The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the significant regeneration currently taking place in St Helens town centre. These developments highlight the impact of strong collaboration between local, regional and national government, with partners working together to drive investment, improve infrastructure and create new opportunities for residents and businesses.
As part of the programme, the group visited Fingerpost, where they canvassed and talked with local residents to hear first-hand about their ideas for the Pride in St Helens initiative.
The visit also highlighted the wider Pride in Place agenda being delivered nationally, with Steve Reed MP playing a key role in advancing this work.
Overall, the visit underlined the importance of sustained partnership working and community engagement in delivering meaningful change, with St Helens continuing to position itself as a leading example of how targeted regeneration funding can make a lasting difference.
St Helens Council’s Cabinet discusses Pride in St Helens
On 22nd April, St Helens Council Cabinet discussed the next phase of the Pride in Place programme, as part of the Government’s Tranche Two investment.
The report set out a series of key considerations for Cabinet, most notably the opportunity for the borough to formally accept Pride in Place status for these areas.
This designation brings with it a long-term commitment to regeneration, backed by up to £20 million of funding over the next decade, aimed at revitalising neighbourhoods and supporting communities identified as facing significant challenges.
A central recommendation was the establishment of a dedicated Pride in Place Board. This board will be responsible for shaping a 10-year vision for the area, alongside a detailed three-year investment plan. The approach reflects a shift towards more locally driven regeneration, placing residents, businesses and community organisations at the heart of decision-making. Cabinet also acknowledged the role of Marie Rimmer MP in her responsibility for selecting the independent Chair of the Board, recognising the importance of strong leadership in driving this work forward.
Cabinet also considered the governance arrangements required to support the programme. This includes a proposal for the Council to act as the accountable body for the funding, ensuring that investment is delivered transparently and in line with public finance and procurement regulations. In addition, a process will begin to recruit an independent Chair to lead the new board, with a strong emphasis on community representation and inclusive participation.
Early-stage funding of £150,000 has already been allocated to support the development of the board and the initial planning process. This will enable the Council to begin community engagement activity, recruit key personnel, and lay the groundwork for the long-term regeneration plan.
The report also highlighted clear timelines for delivery. The Pride in Place Board is expected to be established by summer 2026, with a full plan submitted by the end of November. Subject to approval, the first major tranche of funding for projects is anticipated from April 2027.
