Moss Side West nets £20m from govt

The Manchester neighbourhood was one of 40 communities to secure a place on the expanded Pride in Place programme, which will see a total of 284 areas receive financial support for improvement works over the course of 10 years.

Moss Side West incorporates part of Moss Side and Whalley Range. It is the fifth Manchester neighbourhood to become part of Pride in Place, joining Clayton Vale, Gorton South, Benchill South and Wythenshawe Central, and Harpurhey South and Monsall.

As part of Pride in Place, Moss Side West will receive up to £20m of investment. How the money is spent will be decided through public consultation and newly established neighbourhood boards, which will be chaired by members of the community.

“Across the country, people step outside their front door and feel like there is nothing for them: no sense of belonging, no investment in their area, no feeling that anyone is listening,” said secretary of state Steve Reed.

“Pride in Place backs these people and puts the tools and the money directly in their hands to change that, because strong communities aren’t built for people, they’re built by them.

“These new neighbourhoods are joining a movement that is bringing people closer together, and this government is backing them to do it.”

Manchester City Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig welcomed the investment.

“Over the next 10 years this money will be spent by the people of Moss Side, for the people of Moss Side,” she said.

“In recent years we have put a significant amount of investment into Moss Side as we work to address long-standing issues like deprivation, health inequality, and providing more and better affordable housing for local people.”

Craig added, addressing Moss Side residents directly: “But now, with this funding, it is going to be about spending money the way You – the people of Moss Side – want it to be spent. Whether that is investing in more green space, jobs and training, more opportunities for our children, or keeping our neighbourhoods clean. Your priorities will be our guide.”