Project to improve Morecambe's West End officially opens its new offices

Residents, volunteers and community partners joined Pride in Place West End Morecambe at Alexandra Park to celebrate the launch and the growing momentum behind the government’s £20 million investment into the West End.

The event also helped strengthen community engagement with the work of Pride in Place.

The Mayor of Lancaster and the High Sheriff of Lancashire were in attendance to officially cut the ribbon and open the office.

Residents, volunteers, and community groups gathered to enjoy refreshments and celebrate the positive difference that Pride in Place is helping to make for the West End.

Members of the Neighbourhood Board and staff team chatted to residents about their priorities, aspirations and concerns for the area. Project volunteers range in age from children as young as seven to retirees.

Attendees also included representatives from groups such as the local council, Connect to Work, Out in the Bay, More Music, West End Primary School and Holywell House, among others.

Neighbourhood Board Chair Helen Bingley said: “The most important thing to tell you about is the strength of this community.

"For me as chair, the community are really stepping up around this project and we can’t do it without them. This is for the community, so they have to step up and they are really doing it.”

Pride in Place welcomes conversations with residents, groups, and businesses about their hopes and concerns for the West End.

The office is open Monday to Thursday 10-2:30pm, and staff are available outside these hours by appointment. To arrange a visit or find out more, email [email protected].

Pride in Place West End Morecambe is part of phase II of the government’s national Pride in Place scheme. Pride in Place supports communities to strengthen local pride and engender a sense of belonging.

The West End is one of 169 communities across the UK receiving this funding in phase II. The programme will invest £20 million into the West End over the next 10 years. How the funding is spent is determined by people in the West End.

The project is overseen locally by a Neighbourhood Board of trustees and administered by a paid staff of three – Project Manager, Community Engagement Lead and Administrator. Pride in Place relies heavily on local volunteers who make up the Community Voice Panel and Street Champions.