Thanet has been named as one of the recipients of Pride in Place Impact Funding. This will see the district receive £1.5million in new investment over two years. The funding has been allocated to the district by central government. The guidance set out by central government aims to empower local communities and drive visible improvements across Thanet. The government’s end goal is to rebuild community pride by revitalising places and spaces.
An initial list of potential projects and initiatives which could be supported will be drawn up. This will be evidence-based, using data to help determine what is considered for delivery. Having identified these potential options, there will be engagement with the district’s two MPs, all members of the council, and town and parish councils. Further engagement and participation from local residents will guide the final decision.
The existing Thanet Regeneration Partnership Board will provide a strategic sounding board for the council when reviewing proposals and ideas for the funding. The Board includes representatives from the public, private and community sectors in Thanet.
Cllr Ruth Duckworth, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Property at Thanet District Council said: “We’re delighted to have received this further tranche of funding that can be used across Thanet. There are significant sums already allocated to Ramsgate as part of the wider Pride in Place initiative as well as regeneration funds in Margate, but the levels of deprivation and historic underfunding mean that this additional support is very welcome.
“The Pride in Place Impact Fund specifically focuses on ways to breathe new life into areas that need it most. We want to deliver improvements that reflect the unique character of our district and the aspirations of our residents.
“Our approach presents a fantastic opportunity for our communities to get involved and to take the lead in shaping where they live. The desired outcome is that there’s a stronger sense of pride and belonging across Thanet.”
The funding is designed to support three core areas; Community spaces, public spaces and high streets and town centres. Each delivering against vital objectives:
Community Spaces: Investing in community facilities to give local people greater control over the spaces that matter to them. This includes refurbishing or taking ownership of underused buildings to create welcoming places for connection, support, and shared activity.
Public Spaces: Enhancing the physical environment to help communities feel safer, more connected, and proud of where they live. Improvements to green areas, play and leisure facilities, and thoughtful design features will make spaces more inclusive and inviting.
High Street and Town Centre Revitalisation: Regenerating high streets and local shopping areas to make them more attractive and welcoming, boosting footfall, supporting small businesses, and creating opportunities for social and cultural activity.
The council will work in collaboration with MPs and other stakeholders to identify the projects that will deliver the most benefits to local residents, representing the right responses to local needs and opportunities. Central government would like to see the investment complement other activities in the area and achieve the greatest impact.
The council will manage the funding which includes assessing projects, approving how much funding is allocated and day-to-day monitoring. This forms part of the obligations it has as the fund’s accountable body. In addition, The council will report on stakeholder engagement and fund progress to central government, with initial reports due in February 2026. Detailed summary information for every local project supported by the fund will be made publicly available online until June 2027.
The Pride in Place Impact Fund is for capital projects, usually involving physical assets. The council is initially considering delivering one or two larger, defined projects rather than several smaller ones. This approach will help create a tangible difference, which is what the fund is designed to achieve and will make the project more deliverable.
Due to the timescales and nature of funding, work will not start immediately. Additionally the council must ensure that all proposed projects meet the government’s delivery requirements and the council’s accountability arrangements.
