The 3 key projects approved as major investment into community backed

St Helens Council’s cabinet has backed the Newton-le-Willows Neighbourhood Board’s investment of £361,000 for three key projects to be delivered in year one of the Pride in Place – previously known as the Plan for Neighbourhoods – programme which will see £20 million invested in the town over the next ten years.

The cabinet previously backed the Newton-le-Willows Neighbourhood Board regeneration plan and four-year investment plan, identifying priority investment themes, before formal submission to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government in November 2025.

Extensive public consultation in 2025 identified regeneration, high streets, and heritage as the top priority investment theme with 20 per cent of the public vote. The Newton-le-Willows Neighbourhood Board, which includes residents, business and community leaders, assessed a shortlist of projects, which are deliverable within the first 12 months of funding availability and align to consultation outcomes.

Following assessment, three projects have been chosen by the Neighbourhood Board to take forward in year one:

• St Johns Playground – £203,000 for the installation of a new playground at St Johns Park in Earlestown to replace existing equipment and create an inclusive, fully accessible recreation space for young people in the heart of the community.

• Earlestown Town Hall AV and Lighting – £134,000 for the installation of professional, high-quality audio-visual and lighting infrastructure in the main hall of Earlestown Town Hall to add further functionality and community uses beyond the restoration of the historic building into a flexible, multi-use space for the community.

• Arts on Prescription – £24,000 for a programme of arts and creative workshops for adults experiencing mild to moderate mental health issues such as stress, anxiety and depression, providing a creative route to wellbeing based at Newton Library.

The year one allocation of Plan for Neighbourhoods funding will become available in April 2026 with projects expected to commence from receipt, with delivery ongoing until March 2027.

In addition, the cabinet approved the board’s endorsement of a £1.2 million investment in a heritage focused building improvement programme for Earlestown town centre to enable independent businesses and building owners within the conservation area boundary to apply for grant funding to improve shop frontages and undertake physical improvements to buildings. A proposed delivery model will be developed in year one from April 2026 to March 2027, ahead of further cabinet approvals, with the programme expected to open for delivery from the year two funding allocation in April 2027.

Chris Hickey, chair of the Newton-le-Willows Neighbourhood Board, said: ”We are delighted that cabinet has backed our plans for the first Pride in Place projects for Newton-le-Willows. These projects will deliver high quality facilities for the people of Newton-le-Willows and demonstrate our commitment to listening to residents and delivering projects that make a real difference to the place we call home. I am excited to see the projects get underway.”

Cllr Kate Groucutt, deputy leader and cabinet member for business and inclusive growth at St Helens Council, said: ”The first Pride in Place projects put forward by the Newton-le-Willows Neighbourhood Board show a real community focused ambition for growth in the area. As the fund’s accountable body, cabinet is pleased to back these projects, and we look forward to see works begin on site.”

David Baines MP, Member of Parliament for St Helens North, said: ”The £20 million Pride in Place funding from this government is a huge opportunity to deliver meaningful, lasting change for local people, and it is fantastic to see these exciting plans put forward by the Newton-le-Willows Neighbourhood Board approved by St Helens Borough Council. I’m really looking forward to seeing progress on these investments as we move forward.”

The Neighbourhood Board is currently looking for individuals with relevant experience and expertise in education & opportunity and health & wellbeing, who have a demonstrable passion and commitment to the positive development of Newton-le-Willows’ future. Applications will be accepted until 23 March 2026.

To find out more about the board and to apply for the role visit St Helens Borough Council | Jobs | Search here for your perfect career – Job Information | Apply for Neighbourhood Board Member – Newton-le-Willows