The government-funding over ten years will support both early, visible improvements and long-term regeneration, designed with and for residents.

The newly appointed independent Chair, Chris Allen, brings with him a long history of working with and for communities to support neighbourhood and community-led renewal and regeneration – and has been chosen as the best candidate for the role following a competitive recruitment process.

As an accredited adviser to central and local government, Chris has supported on the Big Local programme in Scotlands and Bushbury Hill since 2012. He also has a background as a Church of England priest and is well-known as a regular broadcaster and podcaster on Wolverhampton Community Radio.

Independent Chair, Chris Allen, said: “I feel very privileged to have been appointed Chair of the Low Hill Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board. This is an exciting programme which gives local people the power and the resources to make a real difference in their neighbourhood over the next 10 years. The programme is about identifying what is best in the area and seeking to build on it - as well tackling the day-to-day issues people encounter. 

“This is more than about the money though. Spending resources is relatively easy. The programme is about building a stronger community in which people feel empowered and are able to thrive.

“My role is to help facilitate this and support local people in achieving what they wish - as well as making sure that other services in the area continue to be delivered as are needed.”

Sureena Brackenridge MP, Member of Parliament for Wolverhampton North, said: “The Low Hill Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board will provide the platform for real investment to drive change in our area. I am thrilled that Chris Allen will be joining the board as its Chair.

“Chris has a wealth of local experience, knowledge of our community groups, and a deep-rooted passion for communities, I am under no doubts that he will be a fantastic Chair and ambassador for the local area.

“£20m is a huge investment and vote of confidence in Low Hill and surrounding areas, and it is vital that all who live, work and are connected to the area have their say. The local board will make these decisions, putting power right at the heart of communities.”

Councillor Stephen Simkins, City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, said: “Congratulations to Chris on his appointment as the independent Chair of the Low Hill Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board.

“He brings a wealth of experience and community understanding that will be invaluable as we embark on this ambitious programme.

“Pride in Place provides a long-term commitment to Low Hill’s people, shaped locally and backed by major investment.

“The Board will play an important part in supporting Chris and we look forward to working together to deliver real, long‑term change for Low Hill and to build a stronger, more hopeful future for the community.”

With the independent Chair now appointed, the next phase is the formation of the Neighbourhood Board made up of local people who live in or are invested in the future of the area.

Once established, the Board, supported by the Council and the constituency MP, will co‑design the ten‑year Pride in Place Plan, ensure resident voices lead decision‑making, oversee early projects that deliver clear, visible improvements and help strengthen long‑term community leadership and investment whilst driving collaboration across partners to support successful delivery.