New Chair Named to Drive £20m Transformation of Bridgwater South
Community champion Sam Smith will head the Pride in Place board as plans gather pace for a decade of neighbourhood investment and renewal.
The delivery of a £20m regeneration programme in Bridgwater has taken a major step forward with the appointment of the chairman of a new board.
Bridgwater was the only town within the Somerset Council area to benefit from phase two of the government’s pride in place programme, which will see 169 UK neighbourhoods boosted in a bid to “build strong, resilient and integrated communities”.
Community projects within the Bridgwater South area (which covers much of the Hamp neighbourhood within the town) will receive £20m over a ten-year period, distributed by a board made up of local people.
Following a drop-in event in mid-April, local resident Sam Smith has now been confirmed as their chairman of the pride in place programme board – with the remaining members expected to be in place by the end of the summer.
Mr Smith was born and brought up on the Hamp estate, and his family has been deeply involved in the local community for generations.
He was instrumental in relaunching Rhode Lane Wanderers Junior FC in 2024, after it had folded a few years before.
The club – for which Mr Smith played as an 11-year-old – plays a key role in the community, giving young people a vital outlet to “channel their energy in a positive way”.
He said: “I’m incredibly proud and honoured to have been appointed as the chairman of Pride in Place Bridgwater.
“Bridgwater South is somewhere that means a huge amount to me personally. I grew up in the area, went to school here, and my family has been part of the community for generations.
“Through volunteering and grass-roots sport with Rhode Lane Wanderers, I’ve seen first-hand both the challenges the area faces and the incredible potential and community spirit that exists within it.”
The Bridgwater South area was selected by central government because it scores highly on the national index of deprivation, in terms of amenities and quality of life.
The area incorporates communities on either side of the Meads eco-park, including residents of the following locations:
Durleigh Road and West Street, between Haygrove School and Broadway
Old Taunton Road and neighbouring streets between the A38 Taunton Road and the River Parrett
Streets either side of Rhode Lane between the A38 and Risemoor Road
The pride in place funding has three core objectives:
Build stronger communities: projects should bring people together to create strong, resilient communities, and help people to feel proud of their area and safe in their neighbourhood
Create thriving places: projects should help to build vibrant neighbourhoods with busy high streets, a good range of local amenities and high-quality physical infrastructure
Empower people to take back control: projects should create opportunities to enable people to have a say over the future of their community and feel in control of their lives
Mr Smith added: “I truly believe ‘pride in place’ is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make a lasting difference for local people, and I’m excited to get started working alongside residents, community groups, partners, and local organisations to help deliver real, positive change.
“Most importantly, I want local people to feel heard, valued, and proud of where they come from. For all of my life, I’ve seen so much good in this community, and I can’t wait to help build on that for the future.”
To apply to join the Bridgwater pride in place board, to suggest a project, or for more information on the fund, visit www.somerset.gov.uk/pride-in-place.
The new board will aim to be in place by the summer, and will thereafter begin to delivery projects in conjunction with Somerset Council, the town council and local MP Sir Ashley Fox.
Speaking in early-April, Mr Fox said: “I’m pleased that we have secured £20m in funding for Bridgwater South.
“I have met with ministers to discuss the positive difference this funding can make and to ensure that local people are at the heart of how it is delivered.
“This funding must reflect local priorities, with local people leading on shaping the projects that will make the biggest difference to their community.
“I look forward to working alongside residents in Bridgwater South to ensure this investment delivers real, lasting benefits.”