Chairman appointed for board overseeing use of £20 million of investment for Wellingborough estate
The chairman of the Queensway Neighbourhood Board has been announced with Nicky Kingsnorth taking on the role.
The newly-formed body will oversee the Government’s Pride in Place programme.
The initiative will see Queensway benefit from £20 million of investment over the next 10 years, with the board shaping a shared long-term vision and developing a regeneration plan for the Wellingborough estate by identifying local priorities and determining how the funding will be spent to benefit the community.
Nicky Kingsnorth said: “I’m proud to have been appointed as chair of the neighbourhood board. The Pride in Place funding represents a real opportunity to deliver meaningful and lasting improvements for the Queensway community.
“This voluntary role reflects my ongoing commitment to the area and my determination to help build a stronger, healthier and thriving neighbourhood. I look forward to working alongside residents, businesses and key stakeholders to identify clear priorities and develop a shared vision for the future - one we can all be proud of.”
Now that he has taken the role, which is a voluntary position, Nicky will work closely with the local MP, councillors, partners, community representatives and residents.
The chairman will champion community engagement and help to cocreate the 10-year Pride in Place vision and regeneration plan for the Queensway estate, which was identified as a ‘left behind’ area by the government.
Gen Kitchen, MP for Wellingborough and Rushden, said: “I am thrilled to see Nicky appointed to chair of this programme which will see the Government make record investment in Queensway.
“Now this appointment has been made we will start to see this project really move forward and I can’t wait to see how it progresses.”
Similar Pride in Place schemes are running in Avondale Grange in Kettering and Kingswood, Hazel Leys and Exeter in Corby, with the chairs for those areas being announced by North Northants Council ‘shortly.’
Cllr Martin Griffiths, leader of North Northamptonshire Council, said: “I’m delighted to see Nicky appointed as chair of the Queensway Neighbourhood Board and wish him well in leading this exciting programme of investment in the community.
“Getting the right person is place is essential in making this project a success.
"The chair will champion the community’s ambitions, bring people together and help shape a strong and positive future for Queensway.
“Nicky’s energy, background and connections to the area make him ideal for this role.”