Big news for Cotmanhay: the area has been promised £20 million of Government regeneration funding under the Pride in Place programme. But how will it work, and when will residents actually see a difference?
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Where the funding comes from
The Pride in Place scheme builds on the Conservatives’ Long-Term Plan for Towns (2023), which pledged £20 million each to 55 towns over ten years. The Labour government has since expanded and rebranded it, aiming to support up to 250 neighbourhoods across the UK with around £5 billion in total.
Cotmanhay is listed officially as “Erewash 1 – Cotmanhay”, confirming it will receive the full allocation.
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How much, and how it works
• £20 million over ten years
• Paid in annual instalments of £2 million
• Not an upfront lump sum: each year’s funds are only released once planned projects are approved
• Spending priorities will be shaped by a Neighbourhood Board, made up of local residents, councillors, community groups, and businesses
• The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) must sign off each project before the money is released
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What it can be spent on
This funding is strictly for capital projects, not ongoing operating costs. Approved uses include:
• Reviving high streets and tackling vacant shops
• Restoring parks, play areas and green space
• Upgrading leisure centres, sports and youth facilities
• Bringing community halls and heritage buildings back into use
• Improving safety and reducing anti-social behaviour
It cannot be used for wages, routine council services, or plugging holes in existing budgets.
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When will Cotmanhay start to see results?
Phase 2 (which includes Cotmanhay) was announced on 25 September 2025.
The first £2 million instalment should become available in 2026/27, once a Neighbourhood Board is formed and an initial plan is approved by DLUHC.
Real, visible projects on the ground may not appear until late 2026 or 2027.
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Risks and challenges to watch
Even at face value this is a big opportunity — but success is not guaranteed. Key risks include:
• Delays: if local proposals aren’t ready or approved on time, funding could stall.
• Red tape: each year’s proposals need central Government sign-off.
• Capital-only restriction: crucial services and staff will still depend on other funding sources.
• Representation and equity: residents will expect a diverse, balanced Board—not just familiar faces.
Cotmanhay will need strong local leadership and organisation to avoid being slowed down by red tape or shifting priorities.
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🗳️ Politics
The £2 million-per-year model was first introduced by the Conservatives and is now being expanded by Labour. Both parties are keen to present the scheme as a success, but in practice the money is directed locally. The key decisions will be shaped by Cotmanhay’s Neighbourhood Board, with oversight from the Department for Levelling Up.
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The big questions for Cotmanhay
• Who will be chosen to sit on the Neighbourhood Board?
• What should be the first priorities: parks, high street, youth facilities, safety?
• Will red tape or project delays prevent the full £20 million from being spent here over the decade?
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💬 Over to you
If you had a seat on Cotmanhay’s Neighbourhood Board, what would your top priority be for that £20 million? Parks? Youth spaces? Reviving the high street? Share your ideas below.