News Trailblazer funding announced for Parkwood and Senacre
Maidstone Borough Council has announced that the Parkwood and Senacre areas of the borough have been selected as one of just 25 trailblazer neighbourhoods across the UK to receive significant long-term investment as part of a new government fund.
The announcement, made by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), will see Maidstone benefit from up to £20 million over the next decade.
This transformative funding is part of a national initiative to empower communities to drive their own regeneration and renewal. Maidstone, alongside areas in Kingston Upon Hull, Blackpool, Stockport, Stoke-on-Trent, Swindon, and Newcastle Upon Tyne, will lead the way in demonstrating effective community-led change.
The MHCLG will provide dedicated support and direct links to Whitehall to ensure that places historically overlooked receive the investment and attention they deserve. The MHCLG announcement promised to “support improvements people can see on their doorstep, champion local leadership, foster community engagement and strengthen social cohesion”.
While the specific projects and precise geographical targeting of the funding within Maidstone are yet to be fully clarified, with MHCLG’s list naming "Parkwood and Senacre" while the council's wards include "Park Wood and Mangravet" with "Senacre" as a separate ward, the Council is looking forward to the opportunity to engage with the government to learn more about the exact requirements for unlocking the investment.
Maidstone Borough Council Leader, Cllr Stuart Jeffery, welcomed the announcement: "This is a significant commitment, and we welcome any investment that has the potential to bring about such vast and positive change for our residents.“While the finer details of how this funding can be accessed is still emerging, we are keen to work closely with the government to understand the full scope and requirements.
“We see immense potential for this money to address key local priorities, such as building resilient communities and delivering a high quality place adapted for a changing climate. Our aim will be to ensure that this trailblazer status translates into tangible improvements that genuinely reflect the needs and aspirations of the people in Parkwood and Senacre."
This funding forms part of a broader government commitment announced at the Spending Review, supporting up to 350 places, including the 75 places named in the Plan for Neighbourhoods in March 2025. Further details on the wider programme and reforms to local government funding are expected from MHCLG shortly, designed to streamline funding and ensure it reaches the areas most in need.
Maidstone Borough Council is committed to collaborating with local residents, community groups, and partners to develop and deliver an ambitious plan for Parkwood and Senacre that maximises the impact of this unprecedented investment.