£20 Million “Pride in Place” Investment for Harold Hill.

Harold Hill has been chosen as one of just 169 areas across the country to receive funding through the government’s Pride in Place Programme, securing £20 million over the next decade to improve local spaces, strengthen community life and restore pride in the neighbourhood.

The long-term investment will support projects designed to improve the local area and build stronger communities.

A new Neighbourhood Board, made up of residents, community groups and councillors, will lead decisions on how the funding is used — ensuring improvements are shaped by the people who live in the area.

Local Labour councillors have repeatedly championed Harold Hill, arguing the area deserves the long-term investment it has previously been denied.

Cllr Patricia Brown (Gooshays Ward) said:

“This is a huge moment for Harold Hill. Communities like ours have waited too long for real investment. Pride in Place puts local people in control — whether that’s improving safety, enhancing green spaces, or creating new community facilities.”

Alongside this funding, Havering has also secured £153,555 to support the rollout of a Best Start Family Hub, part of the Labour government’s national plan to rebuild family services and give children the strongest start in life.

The hub will bring together a wide range of support services — from early years development and health services to parenting advice, SEND support and cost-of-living guidance — with a particular focus on areas most in need.

Cllr Keith Darvill (Heaton Ward) said:

“Best Start Family Hubs back families early, just as Sure Start once did. This funding will help ensure parents know exactly where to turn for support, and that every child gets the foundations they deserve. It’s about prevention, opportunity and fairness.”

Together, the two investments represent a joined-up approach to supporting Harold Hill — combining long-term regeneration through Pride in Place with early intervention through the Best Start Family Hub.

Cllr Frankie Walker said:

“We’re standing up for Harold Hill — securing funding, delivering improvements and making sure residents shape the decisions. This is about restoring pride, rebuilding services and delivering for our community.”

Further details on local engagement and next steps will be shared in the coming months, with residents encouraged to take part and help shape the future of their neighbourhood.

Sally Omusun, Gooshays prospective candidate, said:

“This is the kind of long-term investment Harold Hill has been crying out for. As a resident of 20 years, I’ve seen public services decline — so it’s a huge relief to see real funding coming in, with residents leading the way on how it’s used.”

Theo Shaw, Gooshays prospective candidate, added:

“Being one of just 169 areas across the UK to secure this funding is a testament to the hard work of our local councillors. £20 million will make a massive difference — and now it’s up to all of us to make sure the money is spent wisely and not wasted.”

Aishwarya Kumar, Heaton prospective candidate, said:

“This investment strengthens our local facilities and provides safe, constructive spaces for young people. Above all, it’s an investment in the long-term future of our community.”

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