Accrington has been awarded £20 million through the UK Government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods programme, part of the national Pride in Place initiative. The funding will support long-term regeneration across the town, with a focus on improving public spaces, supporting local businesses, and enhancing community wellbeing.
The Accrington Neighbourhoods Board is currently developing the initial Regeneration Plan, which will be submitted to government later this year. While this submission sets the strategic direction, the detailed decisions about how the funding will be spent will follow in the next phase. These decisions will be shaped by ongoing community input.
To build on previous engagement efforts and ensure the plan reflects local priorities, the Board is hosting a series of focus groups and informal discussions in early November. These sessions will gather views from young people, businesses, traders, and the wider public.
Engagement Schedule
- 5 November, 11:15am – Accrington & Rossendale College
- 6 November, 9:15am – Mount Carmel Secondary School
- 6 November, 11:15am – Woodnook Primary School
- 7 November, 10am to 11am – BT Contact Centre
- 7 November, 4pm to 6.30pm – DOME (Shops, market traders, night-time economy and open to the general public)
The sessions at Accrington and Rossendale College, Mount Carmel, Woodnook Primary School and BT Contact Centre are closed sessions. The session taking place at DOME is open for any member of the public to drop in and have a conversation with the Chair of the Neighbourhoods Board.
Sami Smithson, Chair of the Accrington Neighbourhoods Board, said:
“This is a once in a generation opportunity to invest in Accrington’s future. We are not just ticking boxes. We want quality conversations with people who care about our town. These focus groups and informal discussions are a chance to build on the great engagement work that has already taken place and make sure the next steps reflect what matters most to our communities.
While some of our engagement activities are aimed at specific groups, such as school sessions, we are keen to hear from anyone who lives, shops, works, or runs a business in Accrington. I’m particularly looking forward to our session at the DOME on Accrington Town Square on 7 November, where I hope to speak with and listen to market and shop traders, business owners, and representatives from the night-time economy.”
Following a recent open call for new members, the Board is also preparing to welcome new appointments, ensuring it remains representative and inclusive as the regeneration journey continues.
Councillor Munsif Dad, Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, added:
“As Council Leader, I want Accrington to be a thriving place and this new fund will help us make a real difference to people’s lives. I am excited to see what a new Board, with people who have different skills and backgrounds, helping create new connections with the community will propose.
These events mark the beginning of a wider programme of engagement, with board members continuing conversations and consultation as the plans develop over time.”
For more information and updates, visit www.accringtontownsquare.com.
