Economic development and regeneration
Pride in Place programme
About the Pride in Place programme
In September 2025, the Government announced that the Birchen Coppice area of Kidderminster will receive £20 million for investment over the next ten years under the “Pride in Place” programme. The area is one of 330 to receive the funding and support.
The funding is to benefit the Birchen Coppice Middle Super Output Area (MSOA), which also includes parts of Rifle Range, Foley Park and Silverwoods.
The investment is to support the community to drive forward the changes they want to see in their neighbourhood. It will support improvements people can see on their doorstep, champion local leadership, foster community engagement and strengthen social cohesion.
A Neighbourhood Board will be recruited during 2026, and will co-produce the Pride in Place Plan, led by an independent Chair.
Upcoming information events
Come along to one of our friendly local meetings to learn about the programme, how to get involved, what happens next, and how to apply or nominate someone for the Neighbourhood Board.
Event details
Tuesday 28 April, 6pm to 8pm - St Peter's Church, Meredith Green, Kidderminster, DY11 7EJ
Friday 1 May, 2pm to 4pm - St Peter's Church, Meredith Green, Kidderminster, DY11 7EJ
Tuesday 5 May, 6pm to 8pm - St Peter's Church, Meredith Green, Kidderminster, DY11 7EJ
Download the poster
A printable version of the poster is available to download [3.16mb]. We encourage you to display this at your business, community group or noticeboard.
Richard Collie appointed as Chair
Following a thorough recruitment process, Richard Collie was been appointed as Chair of the Birchen Coppice Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board in April 2026.
Richard, a Kidderminster resident of nearly 40 years, delivered large-scale change for major organisations across the industrial, commercial and financial sectors. Since retiring, he has been an active member of the local community - currently serving as Chair of Governors at Foley Park Primary Academy and Chair of Wyre Forest Swimming Club.
On his appointment, Richard said:
"I am proud to have been appointed as Chair. This funding has the potential to create meaningful and lasting impact, and I am fully committed to ensuring it delivers a legacy we can all be proud of. I look forward to working closely with residents, community partners and local representatives to make sure we get the best value out of this investment for our communities."
The next steps for the programme include forming the Neighbourhood Board. To make sure local voices are clearly heard, this will include six Board seats allocated to people who live or work within the programme area. A recruitment process will be published shortly.