Eastbourne residents will have a direct say in how up to £20 million of government funding is invested in the town over the next decade following the launch of the Eastbourne Neighbourhood Board’s Pride in Place Regeneration Plan.
The ten-year vision, developed through extensive consultation with residents, businesses, charities and community groups, outlines investment priorities shaped by local people. These include safer and cleaner streets, stronger support for local businesses, opportunities for young people, greener neighbourhoods and improved community wellbeing.
The plan was formally launched at Hillbrow Health and Wellbeing on 29 May, bringing together members of the Eastbourne Neighbourhood Board, councillors, business leaders, education representatives, faith groups and community organisations.
Richard Garland, Independent Chair of the Eastbourne Neighbourhood Board, said the plan had been created “by Eastbourne people, for Eastbourne people” and reflected the priorities residents identified during months of engagement activities.
The Pride in Place programme is a UK Government initiative providing up to £20 million to Eastbourne between 2025 and 2035 to support community-led regeneration. Proposed projects include community gardens, active travel improvements, environmental schemes, youth facilities, health and wellbeing programmes, and town centre and seafront enhancements.
Among the initiatives already announced are £10,000 grants for each ward to fund community-led projects, the creation of a Citizens’ Forum to help shape future funding decisions, and programmes designed to give young people a stronger voice in local regeneration plans.
The Eastbourne Neighbourhood Board, an independent body established in 2025, is overseeing the programme. Its membership includes local business owners, community representatives, civic leaders, the Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde and the Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner.
