Pride in Place programme puts local voices at the heart of town’s transformation
Eastbourne residents will have a say over how up to £20 million of government funding transforms their town over the next decade, following the launch of the Eastbourne Neighbourhood Board’s Pride in Place Regeneration Plan.
The landmark plan, developed through extensive community consultation across all wards, sets out a ten-year vision for investment shaped by what residents said matters most: safer, cleaner streets; thriving local businesses; opportunities for young people; greener, more connected neighbourhoods; and a town where everyone feels proud to live.
The plan was formally launched at a gathering of town and community leaders at Hillbrow Health and Wellbeing today [29 May 2026], bringing together members of the Board with local councillors, business representatives, education leaders, faith groups and community organisations committed to shaping Eastbourne’s future.
From October 2025 to January 2026, the independent Neighbourhood Board held community workshops, online surveys, business consultations and listening sessions with local charities, groups and residents. The resulting plan reflects five key investment themes: Investing in People and Families, Community Wellbeing, Economic Eastbourne, Experience Eastbourne, and Natural Eastbourne.
Richard Garland, Independent Chair of the Eastbourne Neighbourhood Board said:
“This is a plan created by Eastbourne people, for Eastbourne people. We’ve listened to hundreds of residents, and this plan reflects what you told us matters most. From the beginning, our vision has been about people – every single one of us who calls this town home. Real regeneration doesn’t start with buildings or infrastructure. It starts with trust, and it starts with people believing that their voice matters.”
“Eastbourne is showing exactly what the Pride in Place programme is all about – communities taking control of their own future. This is long-term investment in local people’s priorities, shaped by their voices and delivered through their ideas. Eastbourne’s commitment to genuine community participation, from ward-level funding to youth engagement, sets a powerful example for neighbourhoods across the country.”
The Pride in Place programme represents a once-in-a-generation funding opportunity for Eastbourne, enabling investment in areas including residents health and wellbeing, public realm improvements, environmental projects, skills development and support for local charities and businesses.
Innovative approaches include allocating £10,000 to each neighbourhood ward for community-led ‘quick win’ projects; establishing a beach school partnership and a schools-led group to give young people genuine influence; and a new Citizens’ Forum to give residents direct say in funding recommendations.
Josh Babarinde OBE, Member of Parliament for Eastbourne, said:
“After fighting tooth and nail to ensure that Eastbourne would be included in this £20 million funding programme since I was first elected as our MP, I’m delighted that the cash is now landing locally and that it will be pumped into every corner of our town to help meet residents’ big ambitions.
As an Eastbourne lad born and bred, I’ve been clear that this funding must be directed by residents’ priorities and with local people involved at every stage. That’s why I’m proud that we’ve already allocated £10,000 to each neighbourhood ward of Eastbourne, putting power directly in the hands of the people who know their communities best. That’s why I’m also proud that we’re pioneering a Citizens’ Forum to give local residents a direct say over where this funding goes and what projects it supports for the long-term.”
Priority projects emerging from ward consultations include community gardens, active travel improvements, town centre and seafront enhancements, environmental initiatives including tree planting schemes, youth facilities, community health and wellbeing programmes, and safety improvements. A new Economic Strategy has also been published, and a new Tourism Strategy and Parks and Open-Spaces Plan are both underway.
The voluntary Eastbourne Neighbourhood Board was established as an independent body comprised of local volunteers, business owners, community representatives and civic leaders. The Board operates separately from Eastbourne Borough Council, though the Council serves as the accountable body for the funding. Residents can view the full Regeneration Plan and find out how to get involved HERE