Harold Hill East is one of 169 areas across the UK selected for the latest stage of the government’s Pride in Place programme, which aims to build up “long-overlooked” communities.
The scheme will see each area receive up to £2 million in funding every year for a decade – to go towards reviving high streets, restoring parks or renewing pubs and leisure centres.
A further 95 neighbourhoods will receive an immediate £1.5 million to upgrade public spaces.
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Communities will also gain new powers under the programme to seize boarded-up shops, block nuisance businesses and buy local assets before they close.
The main focus of the scheme is that it is community-led, and Havering Council has said it will be looking at how Harold Hill residents can “help set the priorities” for the investment.
Cllr Ray Morgon, leader of Havering Council, told the Recorder: “I am pleased that Havering is set to receive substantial funding from the government’s Pride in Place Strategy for Harold Hill.
“However, we are waiting for more details from the government following this announcement.
“What we do know is that this will be community led, so once we hear more, we will be looking at how the residents of Harold Hill can help set the priorities of the area to get the best from funding.”
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Work is already underway in 75 areas across the country, which were selected as part of the first phase of the programme, with the Pride in Place package set to total up to £5 billion overall.
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed, said: “Local people know what they want to see in their neighbourhoods – and they don’t need government to dictate it.
“This plan will spark an historic grassroots movement that will restore local people’s power, boost national pride and help people get on in life across the UK as part of our Plan for Change.”
