Community leaders have welcomed the launch of a £20m initiative to improve lives in disadvantaged areas of Darlington.
Pride in Place was officially launched at Darlington College in front of more than 50 key figures from local community organisations, headteachers, charity officials, and Teesside University.
The Government money will be invested over the next ten years, primarily aimed at making a significant difference to the lives of people in Skerne Park, Red Hall, Bank Top, Northgate and Branksome, while also having an impact on the wider Darlington community.
David Gartland, CEO of the college and chair of the Pride in Place board, told the audience: “Pride in Place is a unique opportunity to make a difference in Darlington.”
“It’s not very often communities are trusted to make decisions about Government investment at a local level, but that’s what Pride in Place is doing,” he added.
“I am really proud to be part of this because it’s about leaving a legacy and making a real difference to the town and do do something very special.”
Councillor Jim Garner, portfolio holder for communities on Darlington Borough Council, asks a question
Out of the £20m Pride in Place allocation, £5m has already been committed to supporting the building of a new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Centre at the Darlington Science Park.
And Darlington MP Lola McEvoy arranged a meeting with Government officials which led to a further £19m of funding being unlocked to enable the STEM Centre project to proceed to the planning application stage.
At the launch event, the MP said: “It’s not just about the money – it’s about what we build with it. It’s about reinforcing the social fabric of our communities, so they can meet whatever challenges they face today and into the future.
“If we succeed, it will grow community participation in Darlington. I believe our best days are ahead of us.”
Seth Pearson, Director of Partnerships for the borough council, said: “Pride in Place has got off to a great start and it’s so heartening to see the genuine excitement and enthusiasm in the room for the launch event.
“It feels like the programme we’ve outlined so far is heading in the right direction with two main priorities: economic growth and working with communities to help them to thrive.
Members of Darlington Operatic Society performing at the launch
“It’s an exciting time because the direction is still being shaped, and we are keen to hear from local communities about what’s important to them.”
An accessibility project has also been identified for Pride in Place support, with £750,000 being invested in installing dropped-kerbs on well-used routes to make it easier for those with mobility issues, including wheelchair-users, parents with pushchairs, and elderly people using walking aids.
A youth engagement project will also be delivered by the Darlington-based Tees Valley, YMCA, on behalf of the Darlington Youth Partnership.
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Julian Cound, vice chair of Darlington Operatic Society, which performed at the launch event, said: “As an organisation that’s embedded in the local community, we welcome Pride in Place and looking forward to working alongside other community groups to explore how we can be part of the initiative.”
Sue Campbell, District Governor of Rotary North East and former President of Darlington Rotary, said: “As part of the incredibly important voluntary sector in Darlington – supporting essential local charities and projects – it was hugely gratifying to hear from the panel how vital we are in shaping the use of the Pride of Place funding going forward.”
More information can be found at darlingtonprideinplace.co.uk