Friar Park Pride in Place Programme
Friar Park in Wednesbury has been selected by the government to receive up to £20 million of investment through the Government’s Pride in Place Programme.
This long-term programme will run over the next 10 years and aims to:
- build stronger communities
- create thriving places
- empower people to have more control over local decision-making
The funding will support local improvements led by the people who live and work in the area.
Neighbourhood Board
The Friar Park Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board brings local people together to oversee the Friar Park Pride in Place Programme.
The Board is chaired by Jonathan Ward, please see the press release.
Over the next 12 months, Board Members will:
- engage with local people to find out what matters most to them
- create a plan to improve the area, using the feedback from local people
- decide how the money should be spent to address the priorities of local people
The Board held its first meeting in May 2026.
You can view the list of Board Members, meeting agendas and minutes.
All board members are required to read, sign and complete the Code of Conduct.
View the Friar Park Pride in Place Board Terms of Reference.
What's next
The Board held community drop-in stalls at the Millennium Centre opening event on 4 July 2026 and at Wednesbury Carnival on 11 July 2026 to begin gathering local people's ideas and priorities.
A design competition is taking place in July 2026 for Friar Park children in year 5 and year 6.
The Board will shortly agree plans for involving the wider community. This will include further activities and a community survey, which will launch in August 2026.
Updates and opportunities to get involved will be posted on the Get Involved webpage.
You can contact us at: friarpark_pipp@sandwell.gov.uk