Neighbourhood Board for £20 Million Pride in Place Funding meets for first time
The Ayr Neighbourhood Board which will be responsible for overseeing £20 million in funding from the UK Government's Pride in Place Programme has met for the first time today (6 February).
The funding, which will be delivered over a 10-year period, forms part of a national initiative to provide long-term investment to neighbourhoods across Scotland. The programme aims to build pride in local areas by strengthening communities, creating thriving places and ensuring residents have a meaningful say in shaping their community's future. It will also help attract private investment while improving health, wellbeing and economic opportunity.
Ayr North and Ayr Town Centre were selected following a process involving local partners and stakeholders, recognising the area's potential for long-term regeneration and community-led change.
The Neighbourhood Board has been established to oversee the programme locally, bringing together individuals with a wide range of skills, experience, and perspectives. Working closely with residents, the Board will help shape a shared 10-year vision for the area, alongside detailed plans for the first four years of investment.
With strong links to local organisations, businesses and voluntary groups, the Board will play a key role in keeping the programme firmly community-led. Members are committed to listening to local voices, championing community priorities and ensuring funding is targeted where it can make the greatest difference, helping to deliver lasting social, economic and environmental benefits for the area.
Communities will be kept informed throughout the process and will have opportunities to provide feedback and influence decisions on how funding is allocated as proposed projects are developed and refined.
David Smith, Chairman of Ayr United FC and successful Ayr-based firm Ashleigh Building, will chair the Board. He said: "This programme is all about empowering local voices and giving residents certainty, stability and a real opportunity to shape positive change in their area. I look forward to working closely with local people and partners to ensure this investment delivers meaningful and lasting regeneration for Ayr North and Ayr Town Centre.
"I'm really pleased that we have an experienced board with a wide range of attributes, which will make all the difference in overseeing the programme."
Leader of South Ayrshire Council and Policy Lead for Economy and Strategy, Councillor Brian Connolly - who will also sit on the board - said: "This long-term investment represents a major opportunity for Ayr North and Ayr Town Centre. By putting decision-making directly into the hands of local people, the Pride in Place Programme will help deliver the changes residents want to see and support a stronger, more vibrant future for our communities.
"I am delighted that David Smith has been appointed as Chair of the Neighbourhood Board. David brings a wealth of experience through his business interests and his long-standing involvement in the local community. His passion for community wealth building, combined with his strong leadership skills, makes him an excellent fit to guide the Board and help realise the full potential of this investment."
The other board members are:
· Elaine Stewart, MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock
· Siobhian Brown, MSP for Ayr
· Reverand Ian Gall, Riverside Church and Faith Representative on the Education Cabinet
· Alan Roseweir, Fort, Seafield and Wallacetown Community Council
· Jodie Thomson, Head Teacher of Dalmilling Primary School
· Councillor Julie Dettbarn, Chair of Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership
· Angela Cox, principal of Ayrshire College
· Saskia Singer, business representative (Narture)
· Linda Galli, business representative (Renaldo's)
· Councillor Ian Cavana
More information about the programme is available on the UK Government's Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) website.
