£20 million for Twydall: what should Pride in Place deliver for local people?
Twydall is set to benefit from up to £20 million over ten years through the government-backed Pride in Place programme.
What would make the biggest difference to everyday life—and how can residents make sure their priorities shape the decisions?
What is the programme?
Pride in Place is intended to support lasting neighbourhood improvements, with local people helping decide how the funding is used.
A Neighbourhood Board, bringing together residents, community groups, businesses, the council and the local MP, will help identify priorities, develop a ten-year plan and oversee delivery. Medway Council advertised recruitment for board members in September 2026.
The £20 million is the programme’s long-term funding allocation. It should not be interpreted as money already spent or as confirmation that particular roads, parks or buildings have been selected for work.
Questions worth discussing
1. What should come first?
Would residents prioritise activities and opportunities for young people, parks and play areas, safer walking routes, improvements around local shops, accessible community spaces, or support for employment and skills?
These are suggestions for discussion. Individual proposals would need eligibility checks, proper costing and approval.
Which problems deserve attention first, and what evidence would help explain their importance?
2. How will the wider community be heard?
How will the board hear from people who cannot attend meetings, do not use social media or are not involved in established community groups?
What would help young people, older residents, disabled people, carers and people working irregular hours take part? Would regular drop-in sessions, paper surveys and accessible meetings make participation easier?
3. Will spending decisions be transparent?
Should meeting minutes, project-selection criteria, budgets and progress reports be published in one easy-to-find place?
How will residents understand why one proposal was selected over another? What arrangements will make board membership, relevant interests and potential conflicts clear?
4. Will benefits reach different parts of Twydall?
How will the programme explain the boundaries of the funded area and assess where investment is most needed?
How should smaller neighbourhood improvements be weighed alongside larger projects that could benefit more people?
5. What will the money actually pay for?
Residents should be able to understand the balance between project delivery, community engagement, professional advice and programme management.
What information would demonstrate value for money? How will proposals build on existing services and community organisations, and avoid duplicating work already funded elsewhere?
6. What can be delivered—and maintained?
What practical improvements could be achieved in the first two years, alongside longer-term ambitions?
Each selected project should have a clear budget, timetable, responsible organisation and measurable outcomes. Who will maintain new facilities or public spaces, and how will ongoing costs be covered after the programme ends?
7. How will residents hold the programme to account?
How often should progress be reported? What should happen when a project is delayed, costs increase or community priorities change?
How can residents raise concerns, suggest changes and see what happened to their feedback?
What would you put forward?
Please share an idea, the location it relates to, who would benefit and why it matters. Local experiences, photographs and examples of successful improvements elsewhere are welcome.
This independent CivilDev discussion can help bring together residents’ ideas and questions alongside the programme’s official engagement channels.
If Twydall could make one lasting improvement through this funding, what should it be?
Sources:
Linked item location
ME8 6XJ
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