‘As someone who lives in the area, I care deeply about our community’
New Chair of the board Simon Berry with Emma Hardy MP (left) and Deputy Chair Haitam Almudi (right)(Image: Emma Hardy)
A Chair has been appointed to lead the Pride in Place Community Board in Boulevard and St Andrews. The area is one of three in Hull set to receive £20m from the Government’s new Pride in Place scheme.
The money will be spread across the next ten years. The Government says the funding will support “improvements people can see on their doorstep, champion local leadership, foster community engagement, and strengthen social cohesion.” Both Orchard Park and Greatfield will also receive the funding.
A board of local stakeholders will be appointed in each area to develop a regeneration plan. They will work in partnership with the local council – in this case Hull City Council.
Both a Chair and Deputy Chair have now been appointed for the Boulevard and St Andrews board. Simon Berry will take up the Chair role, with support from Deputy Chair Haitam Almudi. Both are said to be eager to begin working with local people to help deliver change for the neighbourhood.
The selections were made by a panel consisting of the area’s MP Emma Hardy, local councillor Daren Hale, the Bishop of Hull, and a Hull City Council officer. After 19 people applied, the panel interviewed shortlisted candidates and jointly agreed the appointment.
Ms Hardy said: “I want to thank everyone who applied for the role of Chair. It’s fantastic to see such enthusiasm from people who are passionate about making a difference in the local community.
“I’m really looking forward to working alongside Simon, Haitam, and local councillors to build a board that truly represents the voices of Boulevard and St Andrews. I can’t wait to spend more time with residents, hearing directly from them about how they want this investment to be used, and I’m excited to get on with the next phase so we can start delivering for this community.”
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On his appointment, Mr Berry, a former Paralympian who has lived in the area for over a decade, said: “I am delighted to have been selected as the Pride in Place Chairperson. I’m really looking forward to engaging with the community and working together to ensure the funds are used to develop the area in the best possible way.
“Over the coming months we will be looking to build a strong board, to support the area’s needs, identifying where investment is required, and how it can be applied most effectively to benefit everyone. Working with different groups across the whole community may be challenging at times, but I’m confident that by collaborating and listening we can deliver something truly special for the area over the next ten years.”
New Deputy Chair, Mr Almudi, added: “I’m incredibly proud to have been appointed Deputy Chair of the Boulevard and St Andrews Pride in Place Community Board. As someone who lives in the area, I care deeply about our community and the opportunities this investment can bring. I’m looking forward to working alongside Simon, local residents, community groups, faith groups and partners to make sure the voices of people who live here are at the heart of every decision we make.”
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