More investment on the horizon for Newark through the Pride in Place Programme

In March 2025, Newark was awarded £19.5 million through the fund, previously known as the ‘Plan for Neighbourhoods’ initiative, and was just one of 75 initial areas chosen from across the UK. The programme has since been extended to a further 169 areas across the UK and is now part of a wider Pride in Place Strategy launched by the UK Government in September 2025.

The local programme is overseen by the Newark Town Board and funding will be instrumental in driving forward a transformational vision for Newark and its communities. The Board has already successfully delivered flagship projects such as the ASI (Air and Space Institute) and the YMCA Activity Village and is actively progressing developments at 32 Stodman Street, the Newark Castle Gatehouse project and the Market Place through funding from the Local Regeneration Fund.

The programme is scheduled to commence in April 2026, providing endowment style investment over the next decade until 2036. The release of funds from the Government is subject to the approval of a Local Regeneration Plan, recently developed by Newark Town Board and due for submission by 28 November 2025. This comprehensive plan sets out a high-level vision for Newark over the next decade and an investment profile for the period 2026 to 2030.

Councillor Claire Penny, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Development at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “The initial investment of £25 million awarded to Newark in 2019 has allowed us to develop several key sites for the benefit of the community including the Air and Space Institute, Newark Construction College, Newark Gatehouse Project and much more.

“Without this initial funding, these projects would not have happened, and we anticipate that this additional funding provided through the Pride in Place Programme will bring in even more exciting initiatives that will foster continued growth within the town. We’re excited to see what these could be and we’ll be working with Newark Town Board and community partners to bring these into reality.  

“Collaborative working with the community has played a crucial role in progressing the programme to its current stage, enabling us to plan for the allocation of these funds. We remain committed to our ongoing partnership with the Newark Town Board and will support them to implement initiatives that deliver value to our residents."

Louise Casey and Penny Taylor MBE, both Co-Chair of Newark Town Board, said: “We are Newark and the Newark Town Board will continue working with key partners to deliver further transformational projects for Newark over the next decade through the Pride in Place Programme, building on from the success and achievements to date through the Local Regeneration Fund.

“We have engaged with the community to identify initial investment priorities for the funding, and now look forwards to seeing local plans come to fruition through the additional investment. Our aim is to support the regeneration of our town, to cherish our local businesses and work alongside local community groups to enhance our local area even further.”

The Newark Town Board will continue to work in close partnership with key stakeholders and community groups, ensuring that the needs and aspirations of local residents and businesses are at the heart of regeneration efforts. Plans will be informed by a broad range of community engagement exercises and data, building on previous successes delivered through the Local Regeneration Fund.

Among Newark Town Board’s initial priorities under the Pride in Place programme are initiatives to foster community cohesion, including funding for local groups to enhance and develop community spaces. Local plans also aim to create more opportunities for residents to participate in leisure and cultural activities, improve the vibrancy and appeal of the town centre and its high streets through capital investment and regeneration, and the continued delivery of community events. Additionally, funding will provide the opportunity to deliver projects that aim to improve safety, security, and connectivity for Newark’s residents.

Specific projects will be developed and selected by the Newark Town Board as the programme evolves, continually guided by ongoing community feedback and engagement. Newark and Sherwood District Council will maintain its role as the Accountable Body for the programme, with senior officers providing strategic advice and supporting the development and delivery of the Local Regeneration Plan.

The Newark Town Board encourages all local stakeholders to actively engage with the Pride in Place Programme, helping to shape a brighter, more vibrant future for Newark and its communities.