Wellingborough teacher to lead £20 million Queensway transformation
Nicky Kingsnorth has spent the last fourteen years in the classrooms and corridors of schools serving Wellingborough’s Queensway estate. Having worked with thousands of local families and young people, Kingsnorth is now stepping into a pivotal role as the Chair of the Queensway Neighbourhood Board.
This appointment marks the start of a decade-long commitment to the area. As Chair, Kingsnorth will spearhead the local delivery of the Government’s Pride in Place programme, a multi-million pound initiative designed to revitalize specific neighborhoods through direct community involvement.
A ten-year vision for Queensway regeneration
The Pride in Place programme brings a £20 million investment to Queensway, distributed over the next ten years. The newly formed Neighbourhood Board is tasked with more than just financial oversight; members will co-create a long-term vision and a formal regeneration plan.
This strategy will identify specific local priorities, ensuring that the funding addresses the actual needs of residents rather than top-down administrative goals. Similar community-led models are being implemented elsewhere, including the community transformation project in Blacon, where residents have been invited to take a direct hand in shaping their local environment.
Oversight and community engagement
The role of the Chair is a voluntary position that was open to individuals with deep-rooted connections to North Northamptonshire. Kingsnorth’s responsibilities include convening the Board and working alongside the local MP, councillors, and community partners to ensure transparent governance.
The Board will serve as a bridge between the local authority and the people living on the estate. By focusing on “co-creation,” the programme aims to give residents a genuine say in how their neighborhood evolves.
North Northamptonshire Council has confirmed that similar Pride in Place schemes are currently operational in Avondale Grange (Kettering) as well as Kingswood, Hazel Leys, and Exeter in Corby. The chairs for the Kettering and Corby boards are expected to be announced shortly as the wider regional investment strategy takes shape.
Source: North Northamptonshire Council
