A massive £20 million investment to transform a Derby suburb has moved a vital step forward.
Last year it was announced that a section of Chaddesden would receive the eight-figure sum to pay for big improvements.
Specifically, the Pride In Place Programme money will be invested in the Chaddesden West ward in phases over the next ten years.
According to Derby City Council’s website, the Chaddesden West ward covers areas such as Nottingham Road towards Pentagon Island, Beaufort Street, Sir Frank Whittle Way, St Mark’s Road near Derbyshire County Cricket Club and Chaddesden Park Road.
The Government says the huge investment will give “long-overlooked communities the certainty and control they need to plan for the future”.
An additional £1.5 million has also been allocated to Derby over the next two years to boost other wards in the city. This is for a different Pride in Place scheme.
The spending plans have now moved a significant step forward following a Derby City Council cabinet meeting on Wednesday (February 11).
Council leaders from the city’s Labour administration agreed to accept both sums of investment money from the Government and the ability to submit spending plans when necessary.
The Chaddesen investment will give the community certain spending powers to put the money to use. These include:
Build stronger communities – “All places should have strong relationships and a collective sense of belonging to their community. This helps bring people together to build community cohesion and resilience, helping people to feel proud of their area and safe in their neighbourhood. “
Create thriving places – “Every part of the UK deserves to have vibrant neighbourhoods and communities with busy high streets, a good range of local amenities and high-quality physical infrastructure. “
Empower people to take back control – “Talent is spread equally but opportunity is not. Everybody should be empowered and in control of their lives and have a say over the future of their community.”
A board will be set up to help deliver the improvements most needed in Chaddesden West. The board will be made up residents, community organisations, Derby North MP Catherine Atkinson, businesses and public sector partners.
The board will be led by an independent chair, recruited by Ms Atkinson MP, and will include at least one ward councillor to represent residents’ views.
Derby City Council leader Nadine Peatfield said: “This funding is an incredible opportunity to invest in the places that matter most to our communities, both in the city centre and in Chaddesden West.
“Through both funding programmes, we can work together to build stronger communities and create thriving places that will help people to feel proud of where they live. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for residents’ voices to be at the centre of change for their communities.”
