Little Ilford has secured up to £20 million through the Government's Pride in Place programme, giving residents a leading role in shaping neighbourhood improvements over the next 10 years.
- Up to £20 million of government funding secured for Little Ilford over the next 10 years through the Pride in Place programme.
- Residents will help shape how the funding is spent through a new community-led Neighbourhood Board.
- The investment will build on recent improvements including the refurbishment of Jack Cornwell Community Centre, public art installations through the Brighter Alleyways project, and a £1.2 million transformation of Little Ilford Park.
Little Ilford is set to receive up to £20 million of government funding over the next decade through the Government's Pride in Place programme, giving local people the opportunity to shape and deliver improvements that matter most to their community.
The investment will build on a series of successful regeneration projects already delivered in Little Ilford, helping to create a welcoming neighbourhood for residents.
Mayor Forhad Hussain said: "What makes Pride in Place funding different is that local people will help shape the decisions from the very beginning. Local residents, businesses, faith leaders, volunteer and community organisations will have opportunities to get involved through community engagement events, consultations and by applying to join the new Neighbourhood Board that will help guide the programme.
"We've already seen the positive impact of investment in Little Ilford. Now we want local people to tell us what comes next.”
Newham Council will act as the accountable body for the programme, while a new community-led Neighbourhood Board, led by Sir Stephen Timms MP, local ward councillors and representatives of the local community will be established to help decide how the funding is spent and develop a long-term vision for the area. The Board will work closely with stakeholders to create a 10-year neighbourhood plan.
Sir Stephen Timms MP said: “I very much welcome that Ministers have committed such a significant amount of money to Little Ilford. A ten‑year investment of this scale provides real stability and an opportunity to create lasting change.
The Government – rightly – want to give residents in Little Ilford a say in how the money is spent. I look forward to bringing together various voices from the community, and having important conversations about the future of their area.”
The funding follows more than £1.6 million of recent investment in Little Ilford, which has already delivered significant improvements through the Council's Neighbourhood Investment Programme.
Recent projects include:
- The refurbishment of Jack Cornwell Community Centre: Creating a modern, accessible community facility at the heart of Little Ilford.
- Improvements to Warrior Square: The busy public space outside Jack Cornwell Community Centre, making it more welcoming for residents, families and school communities who use the area daily.
- Little Ilford Brighter Alleyways: A series of public art installations transforming local alleyways into safer, more vibrant spaces while celebrating community identity.
- Little Ilford Park: Transformation including improved play equipment, improved outside gym equipment and walking route.
Under the programme, Little Ilford will receive approximately £2 million a year over the next 10 years. Funding can support a wide range of projects, including improvements to parks and public spaces, community safety initiatives, cultural programmes, business support, skills and employment opportunities, housing improvements and measures to improve health and wellbeing.
An open recruitment process for local residents to participate in the Neighbourhood Board will launch shortly. The initial Board membership is due to be announced by the end of Summer 2026. Following this, a neighbourhood plan will be developed by February 2027. Residents will have multiple opportunities to help shape the neighbourhood plan through engagement and consultation activities.
The Pride in Place programme is part of the Government's commitment to empowering communities and supporting long-term regeneration in neighbourhoods across the UK. Little Ilford was selected as one of 40 additional areas nationwide to benefit from the expanded programme.
The programme is expected to bring lasting benefits to Little Ilford, creating a stronger, safer and more connected community for future generations.
