Stoke-on-Trent City Council has launched the Pride in Place Impact Fund, a £1.5 million initiative aimed at improving community spaces, parks, high streets, and public areas across the city. The fund will support visible, lasting enhancements such as renovating community buildings, upgrading playgrounds and parks, revitalizing high streets, and adding features like lighting, benches, or public art.
The initiative is designed to strengthen neighbourhoods, foster community connections, and give residents a sense of pride in their local area. Project selection will be guided by the community, allowing residents, local organisations, charities, and businesses to nominate initiatives they believe should receive funding.
Council Leader Jane Ashworth emphasized that the fund focuses on “confidence, connection and community,” noting that it will deliver rapid, tangible improvements while laying the groundwork for future investment. She highlighted the goal of empowering local people and ensuring Stoke-on-Trent remains a city where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
Funding for the Pride in Place Impact Fund comes from the UK Government, which announced last year that Stoke-on-Trent would be among 95 areas receiving support. The fund will operate until March 2027, with projects chosen and implemented in phases.
This city-wide initiative complements a larger Pride in Place programme, which will invest £40 million in specific neighbourhoods identified as needing targeted support, including Meir North, Bentilee, and Ubberley. Unlike the larger programme, the Impact Fund is open to projects across Stoke-on-Trent, provided they involve physical improvements that create a lasting impact; routine maintenance and operational costs are not eligible.
Funding decisions will be made by a panel composed of community representatives, MPs, and councillors. Residents and organisations can find full details, terms, and nomination guidelines on the council’s website, with submissions due by midnight on 1 March.
