Funding opportunities launched through Newark’s £19.5m Pride in Place Programme

The scheme is part of a wider £5 billion national strategy designed to help address long‑standing challenges such as local deprivation, skills levels, health outcomes and the vibrancy of town centres. Newark was among the first 75 areas selected across the UK when the programme, previously known as the ‘Plan for Neighbourhoods’ initiative, launched in March 2025.

The programme will be overseen locally by Newark Town Board, working with Newark and Sherwood District Council. The Board brings together businesses, community organisations and local partners committed to improving Newark and shaping its long‑term vision. It has already supported major schemes through £45m from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund and Local Regeneration Fund, such as the Southern Link Road, the Air and Space Institute, the Newark Construction College and YMCA Activity Village, and is progressing developments at 32 Stodman Street, the Newark Castle Gatehouse and the Market Place Improvement Scheme.

The programme is expected to begin from April 2026, subject to Government approval of the Local Regeneration Plan submitted in November 2025. The plan sets out Newark’s ambitions for the next decade and the priorities PiPP funding will support, highlighting opportunities to improve community facilities, expand access to leisure and cultural activities and create a more vibrant town centre. It also outlines work to boost safety, wellbeing and community cohesion to help residents feel more connected to where they live.

As part of delivering this vision, Newark Town Board is launching a PiPP Community Grant Scheme, opening for applications from local not‑for‑profit projects and community groups on Monday, 9 February 2026. This will be the first of at least four funding rounds running to 2030, offering grants of £20,000 to £100,000 for projects that bring people together, strengthen community cohesion or build the capacity of local organisations.

Alongside the Community Grant Scheme, the Board is also launching a ‘Call for Capital Projects’ on Monday, 9 February 2026. This will invite proposals for major capital initiatives to be delivered between 2027 and 2030, focusing on PiPP investment priorities. Eligible projects include those that regenerate Newark Town Centre and surrounding neighbourhoods, improve safety, up‑skill residents, support employment or enhance connectivity.

The Board is additionally developing plans to continue the legacy of the Newark Cultural Heart Events Programme, allocating PiPP funding to support a seasonal programme of events in the town. Local event organisers will be invited to apply for support to deliver activities that boost town centre vibrancy and increase access to cultural and community opportunities.

Councillor Claire Penny, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Development at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “The 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.”

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 transformational projects over the next decade through the Pride in Place Programme, building on the success already achieved through the Local Regeneration Fund.”

“We will continue to engage and work with local partners and community groups to ensure that residents, businesses and stakeholders remain at the heart of this long-term programme. Ongoing community engagement will guide our investment decisions as the programme evolves, helping shape a brighter, more vibrant future for Newark and its communities.”

For more details on Newark’s Pride in Place Programme and grant funding opportunities, please visit https://newarktownboard.co.uk/ from Monday, 9 February 2026 when information, guidance, and application forms will be made publicly available, or email newarktownboard@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk.