Hundreds of thousands of pounds invested in local projects as Newark’s Pride in Place Programme begins to build stronger communities.
Community projects across Newark are already seeing the benefits of investment through the first round of an annual Community Grant Scheme, introduced by the Newark Town Board in 2026, through funding from the UK Government’s Pride in Place Programme (PiPP). Almost £300,000 was awarded through the first round of the ‘PiPP Community Grant Scheme’ earlier this year, helping to strengthen community spaces, create opportunity for social participation and bring residents together within Newark.
Newark was one of the first 75 places selected to benefit from the Government's £5 billion Pride in Place Programme, with up to £19.5 million set to be invested in the town over the next decade. The programme is designed to address local challenges by raising living standards, reducing social exclusion, creating opportunities for young people, improving health and wellbeing, building stronger communities and helping to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.
Guided by Newark’s Pride in Place Regeneration Plan, which was developed by the Newark Town Board through extensive community engagement, the PiPP is delivering investment into projects that reflect local priorities and needs.
One of the first initiatives to launch locally through the PiPP was the Community Grant Scheme, introduced by the Newark Town Board to strengthen Newark’s community and voluntary sector. The scheme, administered by Newark and Sherwood District Council in partnership with the Newark Town Board, supports projects that improve community facilities, increase opportunities for social, cultural and recreational activities, encourage volunteering and help tackle social isolation.
Earlier this year, £292,000 was awarded to several organisations including local charities and community groups, with the next funding application window planned to launch within the coming months, for funding from April 2027 onwards.
Among the organisations to receive support was Newark Services Club, a local hub for veterans, serving personnel, and blue light workers, providing support, connection, and events for those who serve or have served. Suggy’s Champions Foundation, a Newark-based charity dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for young people through boxing also received support through the scheme. Funding has enabled the organisation to improve its facilities, helping to expand community outreach and increase engagement with community groups across the town.
Another successful project was delivered by Volunteer It Yourself (VIY), which received funding to renovate and transform two valued community venues in Newark: the Flower Pod in Hawtonville and the Lovers Lane Scout Hut.
The project not only improved facilities that host social, cultural and recreational activities, but also provided valuable opportunities for local young people aged 16 and over who are not in education, employment or training, or are at risk of becoming so.
Working alongside professional tradespeople, participants involved with the Flower Pod project gained hands-on experience and achieved nationally recognised qualifications, with eight learners completing an Introduction to Paint Finishing Skills qualification and a further eight achieving an Introduction to Site Carpentry Skills qualification. Eleven community volunteers also contributed to the project.
Penny Taylor, Chair of the Newark Town Board said:
We are delighted to have introduced the annual PiPP Community Grant Scheme to support communities and residents within Newark to access opportunity and strengthen the work of local volunteers. It is positive to see the impact of the first round of funding alone, and the scheme will open on an annual basis, providing the chance for a range of projects to be supported over the next few years!
Councillor Claire Penny, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Growth at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said:
The PiPP Community Grant Scheme is a fantastic example of how the Pride in Place Programme is already making a difference to people's lives. The feedback that the Council and Newark Town Board has received from organisations and young people involved in these projects demonstrates the value of investing in our communities.
Whether it's helping young people gain new skills and qualifications, improving facilities that support residents' wellbeing, or strengthening the work of local charities and community groups, these projects are creating benefits that will be felt for years to come.
The PiPP will continue to support projects that contribute towards a stronger, healthier and more inclusive Newark, ensuring residents are at the heart of the town’s future growth and regeneration. The Newark Town Board oversees the delivery of the PiPP within Newark, leading investment decisions and working in partnership with the local community and Newark and Sherwood District Council to deliver projects and administer the programme over the next decade.
Further details about the next round of the Community Grant Scheme will be announced later this year on the Newark Town Board website.