Portsmouth City Council is working with the city MPs to invite expressions of interest for two independent chairs to lead the new Pride in Place Neighbourhood Boards for Landport and Paulsgrove.
Both areas have been awarded up to £20 million each through the Government’s 10‑year Pride in Place programme.
The Government’s Pride in Place Strategy set out a national ambition to restore local pride, tackle deprivation, and empower communities to shape how their neighbourhoods improve. Portsmouth has been selected for the programme, with long‑term investment designed to support:
- Stronger communities
- Thriving places
- Residents taking back control
Neighbourhood boards will be made up of residents, partners and local voices and will develop a 10‑year Pride in Place plan for each area. The board, local MP and Portsmouth City Council will work together to ensure decisions are driven by the community.
Each board will be led by an independent chair; someone who is deeply connected to the neighbourhood, trusted locally, and able to bring people together to design the future of their area together.
The role is voluntary, but reasonable expenses will be covered, and modest financial support may be available to ensure the role is accessible to all.
They will work closely with the MP and local authority to establish the board by July 2026.
Amanda Martin, MP for Portsmouth North said: “I know what this funding will mean to people living in Paulsgrove because it’s where my family built their lives, where neighbours looked out for each other, and where a strong sense of community has always existed, even when investment hasn’t.
“Places like the Cross Keys pub, St Michael’s Church, Allaway Avenue Shops and streets like Mousehole Road where my nan lived all her life aren’t just landmarks, they’re part of people’s everyday lives and shared history. This funding is about recognising that pride and making sure Paulsgrove gets the support it needs to thrive.
“I’m really excited that we’re now moving forward with recruiting a chair to help deliver on local priorities and work with residents to shape what comes next. This is a chance to put pride back into Paulsgrove by building on what’s already strong, listening to local voices, and making improvements that genuinely reflect the community.”
Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South said: “I am so proud to have secured funding for the heart of our city to help restore pride in place. This £40 million investment into Landport and Paulsgrove will change lives and transform our communities.
“Portsmouth people know our city better than anyone else and that’s why, through this Government funded programme, we are keen to deliver Pride in Place in Landport differently. This is our chance to improve our city by making the big decisions for ourselves – not by letting others make decisions for us.
“I look forward to working with the council in delivering this programme with the community and actively encourage anyone with the interest, time and skills to be the Landport Chair to apply for this exciting opportunity driven by local people”.
Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council said: “This is a significant moment for Landport and Paulsgrove.
“The Pride in Place programme gives us an opportunity to invest in the things residents care most about and create lasting improvements to the places they call home. By bringing together local knowledge, lived experience and strong partnership working, these Neighbourhood Boards will help set a clear and ambitious vision for the future of each community.”
More information can be found on Pride in Place – Portsmouth City Council.
Residents who feel they could take on the role should send an expression of interest to: independentchair@portsmouthcc.gov.uk by Friday 13 March 2026
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a discussion w/c Monday 16 March 2026.
