Little Ilford’s new Pride in Place board begins planning how to invest £20million over the next decade, with residents helping shape local improvements and regeneration.
A new board has met for the first time as they draw up plans to spearhead a £20million transformation of Little Ilford through the Government's Pride in Place fund.
The first meeting took place on October 7 at the Jack Cornwell Community Centre, in Manor Park, where local resident Mubeen Hussain chaired the inaugural meeting of the Pride in Place board.
The board will drive improvements to Little Ilford as part of the Government’s Pride in Place programme that has highlighted local areas across the country that will benefit from £20million investment over the next decade.
Fourteen board members have been appointed, with the majority being local people chosen during the selection process this summer. The board also includes MP Stephen Timms and Little Ilford Councillor Nasreen Shamima and will meet regularly.
Mayor of Newham Forhad Hussain said: “This is a big day for Little Ilford and for local people who care passionately about improving their area. I was very impressed by those who came forward to join the board and I believe we have a great balance of members who want to get things done.
“This is exactly what I want to see across Newham: local people coming together, united by a passion to make a difference and taking a leading role in bringing the change communities want.
“That is my vision for Newham, and I am delighted that the government’s Pride in Place programme will help us achieve it by making £20 million available to support positive change in Little Ilford.”
The board will now work with local people to ensure the Neighbourhood Plan reflects local needs, priorities and aspirations. The plan, including projects earmarked for funding, will be published in early 2027.
The £20 million funding can support projects including improvements to parks and public spaces, community safety, culture, business support, skills and employment, housing, and health and wellbeing.
Chair Mubeen Hussain said: “I’m really excited about what we have the opportunity to achieve in Little Ilford. This is about more than just investing £20 million into the area, it’s about giving local people a real say in shaping the future of their community. We’ve got so much potential in Little Ilford, and I’m looking forward to working with residents to build something that makes a lasting difference, well beyond the next ten years.”
Sir Stephen Timms MP said: "The first meeting of the Little Ilford Pride in Place board is a huge moment as we all work towards making improvements that local people want to see.
"The Government's £20 million investment over the next ten years will give local people a real say in how we can use that funding to benefit the community.
"I am looking forward to working with the board to put together a long-term plan for Little Ilford that reflects local priorities, supports communities and enhances the area for everyone."
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.
