New Addington, a neighbourhood in South London, is poised for significant transformation with a £20 million investment announced as part of the government’s Pride in Place funding scheme. The funding will be spread over the next decade, aiming to revamp local services and neglected public spaces that have long required attention. This initiative encourages direct community involvement, inviting residents to submit ideas and volunteer for a local board that will oversee the allocation and management of the projects.
The announcement was warmly welcomed by Croydon East’s Member of Parliament, Natasha Irons, who expressed her enthusiasm for the investment and the opportunity it presents for local empowerment. Speaking about the initiative, Irons highlighted her anticipation for seeing residents take control of the funding to effect meaningful and community-driven improvements in New Addington. She framed the funding as a crucial chance to build upon the work grassroots organisations have been doing in the area.
Natasha Irons, who was elected MP for Croydon East in 2024, grew up in South London and is deeply committed to her constituency. Her priorities extend beyond economic revival—she is dedicated to fostering green jobs, advocating for better housing, reducing NHS wait times, tackling crime, and supporting small businesses and local high streets. Her broader commitment resonates clearly in how she has championed the Pride in Place funding to benefit New Addington’s community directly.
New Addington itself has experienced longstanding challenges, including underinvestment and transport issues, despite improvements like the introduction of the Tramlink service in 2000, which enhanced connectivity to Croydon and Wimbledon. The district’s local residents have often called for enhanced public amenities and more robust community services, making this funding a potentially transformative opportunity.
The £20 million provided through Pride in Place will be managed locally, with residents’ input essential to decision-making. This community-first approach aligns with Irons’ vision of empowering local people to shape the future of their neighbourhood on their terms. The success of this scheme could mark a turning point for New Addington, offering a blueprint for sustained regeneration driven by collaboration between government funding and grassroots activism.
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Source: Noah Wire Services