Four community leaders have been appointed to spearhead the delivery of a once‑in‑a‑generation neighbourhood investment programme worth up to £100m across Manchester.
Earlier this year, Manchester City Council confirmed that a number of neighbourhoods had been selected for the Government’s Pride in Place (PiP) Scheme, securing up to £20m per area over the next decade. The funding will be shaped and directed by local residents, placing communities firmly in control of decisions about their future.
The neighbourhoods included in the programme are:
- Benchill South & Wythenshawe Central
- Clayton Vale (parts of Clayton, Openshaw, Newton Heath and Miles Platting)
- Gorton South (parts of Longsight, Gorton, Abbey Hey and Levenshulme)
- Harpurhey South & Monsall (parts of Harpurhey, Moston and Crumpsall)
As part of the PiP approach, residents were invited to put themselves forward to chair newly created Neighbourhood Boards, which will play a central role in overseeing how funding is allocated and ensuring investment reflects local priorities over the next 10 years.
Manchester City Council has now confirmed the four individuals who will take on these influential leadership roles.
A separate appointment process is currently underway for Moss Side West (parts of Moss Side and Whalley Range), the city’s fifth PiP neighbourhood, with details to be announced shortly.
Benchill South & Wythenshawe Central - Eamonn O’Neal, OBE
Broadcaster, journalist, Wythenshawe native and former High Sheriff of Manchester, Eamonn O’Neal has been a prominent figure in the city for decades.
Gorton South - Jo Sharples
Deeply embedded in her local community, Jo Sharples has spent the past six years supporting community‑led initiatives in Longsight. Drawing on her professional background as an architect, she has worked to celebrate the area’s diverse culture and strengthen pride in place.
Clayton Vale - Andrew Wickens
Anglican priest Andrew Wickens has lived in the Clayton Vale area for 16 years and described his appointment as chair as an “honour”. Ordained in 2000, Andrew previously worked across music and education and is keen to bring that breadth of experience to the role.
He said:
“I am a fierce advocate of equitable provision and opportunities; for people to be agents, to develop their talents and passions, maybe finding new ones, all to realise their potential; and for their voices to be heard.”
Harpurhey South & Monsall - Tom Woodcock
With extensive experience across the voluntary, healthcare and charity sectors, Tom Woodcock has lived in Harpurhey for more than 30 years and brings deep local knowledge to the programme.
Together, the newly appointed chairs will work alongside residents, partners and the council to ensure Pride in Place funding delivers long‑term, community‑driven regeneration, rooted in local ambition and lived experience.
Manchester City Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig commented:
“I’d like to extend a warm welcome to the new Pride in Place chairs. The direction, input and guidance they provide to our Neighbourhood boards will be vital over the next decade as the work is put in to deliver for communities across Manchester.
“Pride in Place is a once in a generation opportunity to transform areas of Manchester, and a once in a generation opportunity for that change to be driven by the people who call those areas home.
“I’m eager to see my new colleagues in place and begin our partnership to improve the lives of Mancunians.”
Image credit: iStock
