New £1.5m fund aimed at boosting pride in city

Funding of £1.5m will be invested in a bid to improve neighbourhoods and unite communities in Stoke-on-Trent.

The Pride in Place Impact Fund, launched by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, could pay for projects such as fixing up community buildings, upgrading parks and playgrounds, or enhancing public spaces with lighting, benches or public art.

Residents, local groups, charities and businesses can nominate projects they believe should receive a share of the cash.

A panel of community representatives, MPs and councillors will decide how the money is spent, with nominations to be submitted by 1 March.

"This funding will deliver rapid, visible improvements that strengthen local pride, enhance neighbourhoods, and lay the foundations for future investment across the city," said Jane Ashworth, the council's leader.

"The money will help shape our ambition of building a city for everyone. It will be invested directly in the spaces that matter most to residents and community organisations.

"We want to celebrate what makes Stoke-on-Trent unique, empower local people and ensure the city continues to be a place where everyone feels a sense of belonging and pride."

The government announced in 2025 that Stoke-on-Trent would be among 95 areas to receive the cash.

The fund will run until March 2027, with projects chosen and delivered in phases.

The projects eligible for a share of the fund must include physical improvements that make a lasting difference.

It comes ahead of a bigger Pride in Place cash injection that will see £40 million of government money spent on projects in Meir North, and Bentilee and Ubberley.

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