Gloucester is set to receive a significant £20 million investment dedicated to revitalising the Matson and Robinswood areas over the next ten years. This funding comes from the Government’s new Pride in Place programme, with £2 million allocated annually. The initiative empowers residents to actively shape the future of their neighbourhoods by deciding how the funds are spent.
The investment can support initiatives ranging from upgrading parks and community spaces to revitalising empty buildings and local shopping areas. However, the key are local voices: residents will be encouraged to submit ideas and volunteer to join a local Neighbourhood Board, which will oversee funding priorities and the coordination of projects.
Labour MP Alex McIntyre, who championed the campaign for this allocation, emphasises the importance of local knowledge and community involvement. “Local people know their area better than anyone else, and that is why the Government has chosen a new approach with Pride in Place,” he said. “This fund is about giving residents the power to transform Matson and Robinswood into an even better place to live. It will change lives over the next decade by targeting investment where it is needed most.”
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Councillor Alastair Chambers, representing Matson and Robinswood at both Gloucestershire County Council and Gloucester City Council, welcomes the funding as a “real opportunity” for sustainable community development. “People here have pride and ambition. What we need is long-term investment that builds local jobs, services, and opportunities—not short-term fixes or top-down decisions,” he said. “This funding should focus on creating safer streets, better services, and stronger neighbourhoods that residents are proud to call home.”
Liberal Democrat City Council leader Jeremy Hilton also highlighted the potential benefits of the decade-long commitment. “I hope this investment will strengthen community connections, enhance essential local spaces, and allow residents, groups, and businesses to play a central role in shaping their neighbourhood’s future,” he stated.
The local Neighbourhood Board, including residents, businesses, community groups, and councillors, will manage the fund to ensure it effectively meets the area’s needs while encouraging genuine community involvement throughout the process.