The appointment marks an important milestone in the delivery of the government’s £20 million Pride in Place programme and the development of a strong, locally led neighbourhood partnership.
The neighbourhood board will bring together residents, community organisations, businesses and partners to help shape local priorities and ensure that investment delivers lasting benefits for local people.
The Pride in Place programme is the government's neighbourhood regeneration initiative designed to give local communities a direct say over how long-term investment is spent in the places they know best.
Rather than decisions being made solely by the government or local authorities, the programme brings together residents, businesses, community organisations and public sector partners to develop a shared vision for their neighbourhood and oversee investment that reflects local priorities.
Through the programme, Whitehouse has secured up to £20 million of government investment over the next ten years. The funding will support projects chosen by the community to improve public spaces, strengthen local organisations, create opportunities for young people, support local businesses and restore pride in the neighbourhood. The Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board will be responsible for developing a shared ten-year vision for the area, agreeing local priorities and ensuring the investment delivers meaningful, lasting change for residents.
Jess March, Chair of the Whitehouse Neighbourhood Board, said:
“I'm so honoured to be appointed Chair of the Whitehouse Neighbourhood Board. It's a community with some great green spaces, local amenities and people who care deeply about the area. As a local resident and new parent, I hope we can create a neighbourhood where people feel safe, connected and proud of where they live. I'm excited for the people in Whitehouse, from all different backgrounds and experiences, to have the opportunity to make changes to our local area. I'm confident that together we can deliver long-lasting and meaningful improvements for families, young people and the wider community.”
Councillor Neil MacDonald, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said:
“I am delighted to welcome Jess as Chair of the Whitehouse Neighbourhood Board. She has demonstrated a genuine commitment to her community and a clear vision for how local people can be at the heart of shaping the future of their neighbourhood. The Pride in Place programme presents a significant opportunity to deliver lasting, community-led change, and I am confident she will provide strong leadership as the board begins its work.”
Councillor George Lankester, Portfolio Holder for Communities, said:
“The government's Pride in Place scheme is designed to put power into the hands of local residents. Neighbourhood boards will empower communities to identify priorities for change through this transformational £20m investment.
“Jess brings valuable experience and a passion for improving where she lives. I look forward to Ipswich Borough Council working with her, residents and local partners to ensure Pride in Place builds on the strengths that already exist within Whitehouse.”
Patrick Spencer MP, Member of Parliament for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, said:
“Whitehouse is a thriving and growing community with huge potential. The government's Pride in Place investment gives local residents a real opportunity to shape the future of their neighbourhood and ensure funding is directed towards the things that matter most to local people. I look forward to working with Jess, fellow board members and residents to help deliver positive, lasting change for Whitehouse.”
The appointment reinforces the council's commitment to ensuring residents play a leading role in shaping the future of their neighbourhood. The chair will appoint the remaining members of the board so it can begin working with local stakeholders to identify priorities and support projects that strengthen communities and improve outcomes for residents.
ENDS
About Pride in Place
Pride in Place is a long-term UK government programme that gives local communities the power to shape the future of their neighbourhoods. Through resident-led neighbourhood boards, local people work alongside community organisations, businesses, councillors and other partners to identify priorities and direct investment towards projects that matter most to them.
Whitehouse and Stoke Park have been awarded up to £20m over 10 years through the government's Pride in Place programme, providing a significant opportunity to support community-led improvements, strengthen local pride and deliver lasting benefits for residents.
Pride in Place is funded by the UK government and delivered locally through Ipswich Borough Council and community-led neighbourhood boards.