Harlesden, a deprived North London neighbourhood, has been awarded £20 million through the government's 'Pride in Place' programme, a long-term initiative aimed at delivering visible improvements in areas facing high inequalities. The funding, announced earlier this year, will be managed by a newly appointed Independent Chair of the Neighbourhood Board, Sandra White, who described the investment as an opportunity “to help strengthen and heal” the community.
Funding Allocation and Community Leadership
Harlesden is one of two Brent wards selected for the multi-million pound funding, alongside St Raphael’s. The selection was based on measures including deprivation, opportunity, and residents’ satisfaction with their place. Sandra White, a Harlesden resident of more than 20 years, has been appointed as the Independent Chair of the Neighbourhood Board, which will decide how the £20m will be spent over the next ten years. She will help develop a long-term plan for the area, ensuring projects are devised “by and for local people.”
Brent Council noted that while London is often seen as prosperous, analysis reveals that deprivation has worsened relative to other parts of England since the pandemic, with acute pressures concentrated in areas such as Stonebridge, Roundwood, and Harlesden and Kensal Green. The Pride in Place programme is designed to give local areas more say over how their neighbourhoods grow and improve.
Potential Uses for the Funding
The £20 million could support a range of local priorities, including improving high streets and housing, creating more job opportunities, designing activities to bring people together, improving local transport infrastructure, and making streets safer. Sandra White brings “extensive community leadership experience” to the role, according to Brent Council, due to her work with young people and support for community initiatives. She previously served as Chair of the Harlesden Neighbourhood Forum.
Sandra White stated: "This investment gives us a rare opportunity not simply to change how Harlesden looks, but to help strengthen and heal our community, build on the incredible talent, creativity and resilience that already exists here, and create new opportunities for our young people and future generations." She added: "I want this to be a chance for Harlesden to show what is beautiful about our neighbourhood, while also being honest about the challenges we face. I look forward to bringing everyone together to shape a shared vision and create lasting change that Harlesden can truly be proud of."
Recent Investments and Future Plans
Brent Council hopes the funding will build on recent investments in Harlesden town centre, including the transformation of the iconic Picture Palace into a new community hub, the restoration of historic buildings on Harlesden High Street, and the Harlesden Walk of Music, which celebrates the area's reggae and Afro-Caribbean culture. Council Leader, Cllr Muhammed Butt, said: “Pride in Place represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Harlesden. The success of the programme will depend on strong local leadership and genuine community involvement, and Sandra brings both in abundance. Her experience, credibility and deep connection to the area make her an outstanding choice to lead the Neighbourhood Board as we begin this exciting new chapter for Harlesden."
The local authority has announced that the Chair for St Raphael’s will be named “in due course.”
