Landmark opportunity as South Telford seeks leader for £30 million transformation

The successful candidate will lead the newly formed Pride in Place South Telford Neighbourhood Board, a body tasked with overseeing a ten-year strategy to revitalise Woodside, Brookside, and Sutton Hill.

The ambitious project is fuelled by an initial £20 million in Government investment, which has been bolstered by a further £10 million from Telford & Wrekin Council to ensure the initiative delivers deep-rooted and sustained change. This voluntary leadership role offers a rare chance for a dedicated individual to influence the long-term future of the area, focusing on strengthening community bonds, upgrading local facilities, and ensuring that residents remain at the very heart of the decision-making process.

Councillor Lee Carter, Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “This is a hugely significant opportunity for someone who shares our passion for South Telford and wants to make a lasting difference, provide strong, positive leadership and champion the needs and ambitions of residents and ensure partners work together to make real changes.

“The Independent Chair and the board will be supported by the Council all the way to make sure they have the tools that they and residents need to make this programme a success.

“We know that this is a once in a generation opportunity to make a real difference that’s why we have added £10 million of extra Council funding, we’re making this investment go even further - ensuring areas of South Telford have the money and the momentum to thrive and look confidently to the future. This £30 million programme will enable both short-term physical regeneration and more importantly long‑term, transformative projects to be developed with and for the people who live in South Telford.”

The momentum for this project was solidified following a high-profile visit to Woodside in September by Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Communities Secretary Steve Reed MP. Their visit highlighted Woodside’s selection as one of the pioneer areas for the national Pride in Place programme, an initiative designed to empower disadvantaged neighbourhoods by putting local people in the driving seat of renewal.

Shaun Davies MP for Telford said: “This £30 million investment has been secured through close work with the South Telford community. We are now moving into the “getting stuff done” phase - so if you are ready to help turn plans and ideas into action, as passionate for Woodside, Brookside, Sutton Hill and wider South Telford as me, our local councillors and our residents – and want to deliver real change – then come and join us.”

Once the Chair is appointed, the wider Neighbourhood Board will be established, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders including local councillors, health partners, schools, businesses, and community organisations. The Chair will be responsible for leading these meetings, co-designing the decade-long Pride in Place Plan, and overseeing early-stage "quick win" projects that provide immediate visible benefits to the community.

Telford & Wrekin Council is welcoming expressions of interest from individuals of all backgrounds and professional experiences. Prospective candidates are encouraged to submit a short statement of up to 600 words outlining their relevant skills and their vision for the role. The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Monday, 16 February, with interviews scheduled to take place during the week of 23 February.

Following the appointment of the Chair, details regarding the recruitment of the wider board members will be released to the public.