£20 million funding will help Wolverhampton estate shake off its 'rough' image, says MP

An MP has said a £20 million investment in a deprived area of Wolverhampton represents a chance to cast off the stigma of the past and create a desirable place to live.

Low Hill has been allocated £20 million over the next 10 years as part of the Government’s Pride in Place initiative, with a new residents’ board led by former clergyman Chris Allen deciding how the funding will be used.

Sureena Brackenridge, MP for Wolverhampton North East, attended the board’s first meeting, where residents were asked what would represent success over the next 10 years.

She said: “One answer captured the spirit of this work beautifully, that Low Hill would become a place people are proud to move to, no longer defined by the phrase, ‘It’s rough round ’ere, ain’t it’, but by hope and opportunity.”

The meeting included discussions about how better used could be made of St Christopher’s Park.

A community forum will be held on October 29, at a venue to be decided, where people will be invited to share ideas and express their views on how they would like to see the area improved.

Mrs Brackenridge urged people to attend the event to have their say.

She said: “I was particularly pleased to see the discussion about St Christopher’s Park and the opportunity to build on the work that is already happening in Low Hill. We need to make sure that Pride in Place is not just about investment in buildings or infrastructure, but about creating places where people feel proud to live.”

Mrs Brackenridge said the success of the project would be measured by what residents saw and felt in their everyday lives.

“That means better opportunities for young people, stronger community spaces, improvements to the local environment and investment that helps Low Hill become an even better place to live,” she said.

“We have an opportunity here to think long term and be ambitious. I want to see a plan that reflects what residents have told us, builds on the strengths of the community and delivers real, lasting change.”

Mr Allen said local voices would be at the heart of how the funding would be used to create lasting, meaningful change.

"Money alone cannot undo years of disadvantage in a community such as Low Hill, but it can open doors,” he said.

“It can bring people together, and create the space to challenge old ways of working.

"There is already deep pride in Low Hill. By placing power and trust in the hands of local residents, we can strengthen confidence, unlock ambition, and allow that pride to shine even more brightly."