Thamesmead has been awarded £20 million investment from the government’s Pride in Place programme over the next 10 years – and it’s up to the community how it will be spent.
This means up to £2 million each year will be available for Birchmere Park and the surrounding neighbourhood. The funding can be used to support projects that create jobs and opportunities locally; improve community facilities, youth services and green spaces; help make streets safer and cleaner; and strengthen vital community groups.
Pride in Place is truly community-led. A self-governing neighbourhood board will be set up at the end of the summer, and the search is now on for an independent chair.
Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, said:“Pride in Place is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that places power directly in the hands of the community. Local people know what their neighbourhoods need and Thamesmead has an amazing network of residents, organisations and businesses built around it. I’m confident we will find a dynamic and dedicated chair who can lead this exciting programme and represent the area. We need someone who can bring people together, work with us to deliver opportunities that have real impact and leave a legacy for years to come.”
Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “Thamesmead is entering its next chapter. Pride in Place is happening on top of the DLR extension and New Town programme to create 15,000 new homes and 6,000 jobs. Local people are at the heart of Pride in Place – you will decide how the money is spent. So, it’s over to you: tell us what the priorities are and if you are up for the lead role, put yourself forward as chair. Together, we’re getting things done. Let’s make Thamesmead proud.”
Councillor Asli Mohammed, Cabinet Member for Economy, Town Centres and Co-operatives, said: “£20 million investment is incredible – but what matters most is who decides how it's spent. The best person to know what a community needs is someone who lives in it, shops in it, runs a business in it. Pride in Place doesn't bring outside experts in to decide – it backs the people who live in Thamesmead to make sure that growth on their doorstep is done right.”
The neighbourhood board will have a majority of community representatives – residents and businesses – along with other partners including the local MP and council, who act as the accountable body. Led by the chair, the neighbourhood board will be responsible for co-creating an action plan and deciding how the funding will be spent.
The chair will be a neutral, trusted leader who champions local voices and can determine community priorities to help shape a 10-year vision for Birchmere Park and the surrounding area. The role is voluntary, with reasonable expenses paid and will be initially for a two-year term. The deadline for application is 3 July.
Find out more and apply: Pride in Place programme for Thamesmead Birchmere Park.
Tell us your priorities for Thamesmead by completing the MP’s Pride in Place survey.