We Are Eastbourne

The Board was established as part of a national government initiative to invest in communities most in need through the Plan for Neighbourhoods Fund. The funding aims to support lasting regeneration by enabling local people to lead change that improves quality of life, community wellbeing, and economic resilience in Eastbourne.

The Board has up to £20 million to allocate over a 10-year period to support community priorities through a flexible, locally driven programme of projects and initiatives.

The funding is provided directly by the UK Government as part of the Plan for Neighbourhoods Fund, a nationwide initiative designed to tackle local inequalities and support sustainable regeneration in towns and neighbourhoods.

No, this funding is separate from local taxes and comes entirely from central government investment.

No, the Board is an entirely independent body. The Neighbourhood Board works in partnership with Eastbourne Borough Council and other local partners, it operates separately to ensure community voices are central to decision-making.

Board members were selected through an open, transparent application process focused on diversity, community representation, and relevant expertise. Members include residents, local business leaders, community champions, and representatives with professional experience relevant to Eastbourne’s regeneration. Statutory roles required by government legislation are also represented on the Board.

No, all Board members serve voluntarily, although reasonable expenses incurred while carrying out Board duties can be claimed to ensure no one is out of pocket.

Decisions are made collectively by Board members, guided by robust criteria aligned with the Plan for Neighbourhoods Fund’s priorities and community feedback. Full details of the decision-making process for awarding funds will be made available on this website when finalised.

The Board is not responsible for delivering government levelling up or council-led projects such as Black Robin Farm, Victoria Place, or the Towner Centenary project. However, it considers the impact of these and other initiatives in its own planning and investment decisions to ensure complementary benefits.

The Board focuses on three key goals:

1. Thriving Places: Revitalising high streets, heritage sites, and public spaces
2. Stronger Communities: Promoting social cohesion, health, wellbeing, and educational opportunities
3. Taking Back Control: Empowering residents and groups with real influence over decisions and resources

Funding targets a broad range of projects that meet the following focus areas:

Regeneration, High Streets & Heritage – Revitalising town centres, preserving heritage, and improving public spaces

Housing – Supporting good quality, affordable, and suitable homes for all

Work, Productivity & Skills – Boosting employment, entrepreneurship, and training

Community Cohesion and Inclusion – Building strong, inclusive, and connected communities

Health & Wellbeing – Supporting physical and mental health, active lifestyles, and local health services

Transport – Improving safe, accessible, and sustainable transport options

Safety & Security – Creating safer neighbourhoods and addressing crime and anti-social behaviour

Education & Opportunity – Broadening access and raising aspirations for all ages

No, the funds are separate from the Council or other organisations and cannot be used to fund business-as-usual council services such as temporary accommodation or staffing costs

The Board is developing a rolling four-year Investment Plan, allocating funds to deliver short and medium-term projects and initiatives. This sits alongside a longer-term ten-year strategic Regeneration Plan to work with external partners such as Eastbourne Borough Council to influence overall regeneration plans.

The Board operates under the Nolan principles of public life, publishes meeting minutes and funding decisions online, and will conduct regular community engagements such as consultations, citizen assemblies, and workshops.

Residents, businesses, schools, and community groups can get involved through public consultations, joining working groups or ward champion activities, applying for grants from local funds, or participating in youth or community assemblies. Further details will be announced in due course.

Ward champions will act as local representatives helping to gather views from each area of Eastbourne, feeding community priorities to the Board.

It is our aim to establish a youth shadow board. A group of local young people who advise the Board, ensuring youth voices inform decisions and projects that affect their futures.

Projects are evaluated against criteria aligned to the eight priorities, community impact, deliverability, and inclusivity to ensure effective use of funds. Full details of the evaluation criteria will be published here in due course.

This website will be regularly updated with progress. The Board will also communicate regularly via blogs, newsletters, the We Are Eastbourne podcast, community events, and social media to keep the public informed and engaged.

The Board is answerable to the central government to meet agreed milestones and funding conditions and is subject to local oversight from community stakeholders and partner organisations. Eastbourne Borough Council is the Accountable Body and will be responsible for reporting to the Government.

The remodelled Plan for Neighbourhoods Fund was only officially agreed in April 2025, so we are at the very beginning of this exciting journey. The Eastbourne Neighbourhood Board is working rapidly to establish its structures, governance, and investment plans to make real and lasting change. Full details of the programme, funding opportunities, and engagement activities will be shared over the coming months. We encourage everyone to keep checking this page and our other communications channels regularly for the latest updates and ways to get involved.