Ealing Council has announced a £1.4 million programme to improve high streets and town centres across the borough after missing out on Government funding awarded to neighbouring authorities.
The council’s new Pride in Pla ce programme will focus on enhancing public spaces, supporting local communities and improving town centres through a community-led approach.
Unlike nearby boroughs including Hounslow and Brent, Ealing did not receive direct funding through the Government’s national Pride in Place strategy. The council has now committed its own funding to deliver improvements locally.
Council documents state that the initiative aims to “build stronger communities, create thriving places and empower local people”, with residents expected to play a key role in deciding how the money is spent.
Exactly which high streets will benefit has yet to be determined.
Council officers will carry out a detailed assessment of local needs, including deprivation levels and resident feedback, before deciding where investment should be targeted. The programme is expected to make use of local “town teams” made up of volunteer residents, businesses, faith groups and councillors to help shape projects in their communities.
According to council reports, Northolt is currently the most deprived town in the borough, while Southall Green is identified as Ealing’s most deprived ward. The council says community involvement will be central to the scheme, with residents helping to co-design and deliver future improvements.
Recent public realm and arts projects in Southall have been highlighted as examples of the council’s community-led approach to regeneration. The announcement comes as some residents in Southall continue to raise concerns about issues including fly-tipping and public drug use.
The Pride in Place programme remains at an early stage, with proposals due to be discussed by the Economy and Sustainability Scrutiny Panel on July 9.
The first phase of the initiative is expected to launch by April 2027.
