Southampton City Council is calling on residents to help shape the future of their local areas as it officially appoints leaders for two new neighbourhood boards. The boards have been established to oversee the distribution of a government-backed investment of up to £20 million for both Weston and the Redbridge and Millbrook West areas over the next decade.
These neighbourhoods were identified as among the most deprived in the UK, and the Pride in Place programme is designed to ensure community members have a direct say in how these funds are used. The investment, which provides £2 million per year for each area, is intended to support local regeneration projects.
The council has confirmed the appointment of independent chairs to lead these efforts. Daron Medway, who serves as the vicar of Holy Trinity Weston and leads the Weston Church Youth Project and Weston Adventure Playground, has been appointed to chair the Weston board. Mr. Medway noted that the board will play a vital role in ensuring that local voices are included when planning for the future of the area.
Joanna McNicholas has been appointed to lead the Redbridge and Millbrook West board. As a long-term resident who has worked in the area for decades, she expressed a strong personal connection to the community she will now serve.
The council is currently accepting applications from members of the public who wish to join these boards. Once formed, the groups will be responsible for bringing together residents, local businesses, and community organisations to develop plans for the funding. These proposals must be submitted to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government in line with the government-mandated timeline, with final membership and plans due for confirmation by summer 2026.
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