Accrington is set to benefit from a major long term investment programme as the Neighbourhoods Board prepares to submit its Regeneration Plan to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). The plan, titled Accrington: The Next Chapter, outlines a ten-year vision for the town and a detailed four-year investment strategy, forming part of the Government’s Pride in Place Strategy.
The programme will deliver up to £20 million over the next decade, starting in 2026/27, to revitalise Accrington’s high streets, improve public services, strengthen social infrastructure and create new opportunities for skills and employment. The funding will be split between capital and revenue projects, with the first delivery payment expected in April 2026.
The Regeneration Plan is built around four key pillars:
- People – improving skills, health, and recreation opportunities
- Urban Regeneration and Housing – enhancing town centre spaces and housing provision
- Environment, Transport and Industry – investing in sustainable infrastructure and connectivity
- Delivery, Investment and Monitoring – ensuring effective implementation and accountability
The plan sets out a framework for potential investment in Accrington. Once the plan is approved by Government, the Board will focus on specific investment opportunities in our town with three tiers of impact.
- Strategic capital projects: Large-scale projects that transform town centre infrastructure and create lasting impact.
- Match-funded partnership projects: Collaborative Investment with Strategic Partners
- Community Impact Projects: Smaller projects delivering immediate, visible benefits and enabling community innovation.
Leader of the Council, Councillor Munsif Dad said:
“I want to thank the Neighbourhoods Board for their hard work and commitment in shaping this ambitious plan. It brings the opportunity to continue transforming Accrington for the benefit of residents and businesses.
I strongly encourage Cabinet to approve the plan so we can move forward with delivering the future our town deserves.”
The Neighbourhoods Board, chaired by Sami Smithson, includes community leaders, local organisations, councillors and the local MP, ensuring that the voices of local people are at the heart of decision-making.
Sami Smithson, Chair of the Accrington Neighbourhoods Board said:
“This plan is built on what residents have told us matters most. Through years of consultation, community meetings, surveys, social media discussions and focus groups – you’ve been clear about your priorities. In the month leading up to this submission, we held a dedicated series of consultation sessions focused specifically on this Pride in Place Plan.
These recent conversations refined and reinforced the priorities that emerged from earlier masterplan engagement, ensuring this plan truly reflects what matters most to our community right now. I want to thank all the schools, businesses and residents who took part and shared their views. Your input is vital in ensuring this plan reflects the aspirations of our community and delivers real benefits for everyone. I’d like to give a special mention to pupils at the schools I visited over the last couple of weeks. Young people from Mount Carmel RC High School and Woodnook Primary School shared some fantastic ideas for improving our town.”
The Board has recently strengthened its expertise with four new members after the Board invited open expressions of interest.
- Rev Paul Hunter, a Lancashire-born solicitor turned Anglican minister, brings deep experience in community building and development, gained both locally and during 13 years working in East Africa.
- Madison Gore, a primary school teacher and lifelong Oswaldtwistle resident, offers a passionate focus on early years education, family support, and inclusion.
- Dr Jane Eccles, a GP partner in Accrington for over 24 years and Clinical Director for Hyndburn Central Primary Care Network, adds invaluable insight into health and wellbeing.
- Damian Cunliffe, an Accrington-born entrepreneur and hospitality leader, brings business acumen and a commitment to supporting local business and expertise in the night-time economy
Once approved by the Council’s Cabinet, the Plan will be submitted to MHCLG by 28th November.
Production and delivery of Accrington’s plan is funded by the Pride in Place Programme, a UK Government initiative led by MHCLG.
For more information on the Accrington Neighbourhoods Board or Pride in Place Funding, visit www.accringtontownsquare.co.uk
