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A COMMUNITY-led plan which will see up to £20 million invested in Eastbourne over the next decade has been officially unveiled.
The Eastbourne Neighbourhood Board today (29 May) launched its new Pride in Place Regeneration Plan, setting out a long-term vision for the town based on feedback from residents, businesses, charities and community groups.
The plan, which was launched at Hillbrow Health and Wellbeing, outlines how government funding could be used to improve neighbourhoods, support local businesses, boost opportunities for young people and create cleaner, greener public spaces.
Board members say the programme is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver meaningful improvements across the town while ensuring local people remain at the centre of decision-making.
The regeneration blueprint follows months of consultation, including public workshops, online surveys and meetings held across Eastbourne’s wards between October 2025 and January 2026.
Residents identified a number of priorities, including tackling anti-social behaviour, improving community facilities, supporting local shops and businesses, investing in young people and enhancing parks, green spaces and the seafront.
The plan is built around five key themes: Investing in People and Families, Community Wellbeing, Economic Eastbourne, Experience Eastbourne and Natural Eastbourne.
Among the projects already proposed are community gardens, active travel improvements, tree planting schemes, youth facilities, health and wellbeing programmes and improvements to public spaces.
Richard Garland, Independent Chair of the Eastbourne Neighbourhood Board said: “This is a plan created by Eastbourne people, for Eastbourne people. We’ve listened to hundreds of residents, and this plan reflects what you told us matters most. From the beginning, our vision has been about people – every single one of us who calls this town home. Real regeneration doesn’t start with buildings or infrastructure. It starts with trust, and it starts with people believing that their voice matters.”
“Eastbourne is showing exactly what the Pride in Place programme is all about – communities taking control of their own future. This is long-term investment in local people’s priorities, shaped by their voices and delivered through their ideas. Eastbourne’s commitment to genuine community participation, from ward-level funding to youth engagement, sets a powerful example for neighbourhoods across the country.”
The Board has also highlighted plans to establish a Citizens’ Forum, giving residents a direct voice in funding decisions, alongside a schools-led initiative designed to ensure young people help shape future investment.
Earlier this year, the Board announced £10,000 for each of Eastbourne’s nine wards to support local ‘quick win’ projects such as environmental improvements, community events and upgrades to public spaces.
The voluntary Eastbourne Neighbourhood Board was established as part of the Government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods programme and operates independently, bringing together local business leaders, community representatives and civic figures. Eastbourne Borough Council acts as the accountable body for the funding.
Board members say the launch marks the beginning of a ten-year programme aimed at improving the quality of life across Eastbourne and building greater pride in the town.
Josh Babarinde OBE, Member of Parliament for Eastbourne, said: “After fighting tooth and nail to ensure that Eastbourne would be included in this £20 million funding programme since I was first elected as our MP, I’m delighted that the cash is now landing locally and that it will be pumped into every corner of our town to help meet residents’ big ambitions.< "As an Eastbourne lad born and bred, I’ve been clear that this funding must be directed by residents’ priorities and with local people involved at every stage. That’s why I’m proud that we’ve already allocated £10,000 to each neighbourhood ward of Eastbourne, putting power directly in the hands of the people who know their communities best. That’s why I’m also proud that we’re pioneering a Citizens’ Forum to give local residents a direct say over where this funding goes and what projects it supports for the long-term.” Residents can view the full regeneration plan and find out more about getting involved through the We Are Eastbourne website.
