Ealing Council's Economy and Sustainability Scrutiny Panel has reviewed the borough's work programme for 2026/27, with a significant focus on the Ealing Pride in Place
initiative aimed at revitalising high streets and town centres. The proposed £1.4 million programme, which aligns with the government's national strategy to foster community pride and empower local areas, will see initial phases of delivery commence in 2026-27.
The panel met on Thursday, July 9, 2026, to discuss the initiative, which seeks to enhance public spaces across Ealing's high streets and town centres. Improvements envisioned under Ealing Pride in Place
include urban greening, pocket parks, new seating, public art, and improved lighting.
During the meeting, a presentation was given on the Ealing Pride in Place
programme, detailing its scope, criteria, and approach to delivery. The programme is designed to build upon existing community-led investments and the council's Connected Communities
vision. A case study from Southall, focusing on the area around Southall Station and Merrick Road, was presented to illustrate the principles of community-led placemaking and investment in public spaces.
Discussions highlighted the importance of measuring the success of the Pride in Place
programme through tangible outcomes such as footfall, vacancy rates, business survival, resident perception of safety, and levels of participation.
The panel also emphasised the need for a clear communication plan to ensure the initiative's visibility among other council priorities.
To ensure community-led placemaking
is genuinely incorporated, the programme aims to empower local people and foster a sense of civic pride.
The proposed approach involves capacity building and resident engagement
in initial phases. The council will be working with town teams via your voice, your town conscious that they're running a great community grant program
and will be working with the town teams to really, to secure the basics of the foundational economy.
The importance of long-term maintenance funding for any new public spaces or greening initiatives was also highlighted. The council acknowledged the challenge of securing ongoing revenue support for one-off capital investments, noting that Pride in Place
funding is one-off with no long-term revenue support. The programme will consider stewardship and local support as criteria for funding to help mitigate these future costs.
The panel agreed to receive regular updates on the Pride in Place
programme to monitor progress against defined objectives. Further details on the programme can be found in the Public reports pack for the Economy and Sustainability Scrutiny Panel meeting held on Thursday, July 9, 2026. Agenda frontsheet