New Neighbourhood Board Launched for St Nicholas, Stevenage
Local residents and representatives appointed to shape community investment and priorities over the next decade.
By Rebecca Flint
••3 min read
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The stone facade of a town hall with an ornate balcony and railings, in warm afternoon sunlight.
A new Neighbourhood Board has been established for St Nicholas, Stevenage, comprising local residents and representatives, including MP Kevin Bonavia, to guide £20 million in government funding.
Stevenage Borough Council has announced the appointment of new members to the St Nicholas Neighbourhood Board, a key initiative under the Government's Pride in Place Programme. This programme aims to empower local communities to shape their future, with St Nicholas set to receive £20 million in direct government funding over the next decade.
The board, composed of local residents, representatives, and Stevenage MP Kevin Bonavia, will ensure the community has a direct say in investment decisions and prioritisation for St Nicholas. Chaired by John Arceno, the board will develop a long-term vision and investment plan, to be submitted to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) for approval in February 2027.
Board members were selected through a competitive process, demonstrating a strong commitment to community engagement and diverse perspectives. The appointed voluntary members, who have a strong connection to St Nicholas, are: Alice McElroy, Ric Euteneur, Richard Smith, Emine Yeter, Barbara McDonagh, Rajendra Oza, Carolina Veres, Terrie Skulteti, and Kojo Wood. Councillor Claire Parris and Councillor Matthew Hurst, ward councillors for St Nicholas, will also serve as board members alongside MP Kevin Bonavia.
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"This marks an important step in our Pride in Place journey for St Nicholas. The Board and I are committed to listening to residents, understanding what matters most to them, and using those insights to drive lasting, transformational change. Residents will be at the heart of our decision-making as we work together to build a stronger future for our community."
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"Pride in Place is all about putting power into the community’s hands, giving a chance for local people to make decisions and invest in the future of the place they call home. Launching the Neighbourhood Board makes this a reality, and truly means the project is for the community, by the community. I look forward to working with the whole Board as we continue engaging with residents to develop a plan to benefit the St Nicholas community for generations to come."
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"Thank you to everyone who put themselves forward for a position in the new Neighbourhood Board. We are fortunate to have had excellent local people who are committed to making a difference. We look forward to working in partnership with the new Neighbourhood Board and the community, to deliver the programme and bring about real change for everyone who lives and works in St Nicholas."
Community members not on the board can still contribute by joining a 'Friends of St Nicholas' group, an informal volunteer opportunity. Interested individuals can email stnicholas.pip@stevenage.gov.uk for more details. Further information on the scheme is available on the Stevenage Borough Council website.
