£20 million of government investment to transform our town — shaped by the people who live and work here.
Welcome from the Chair – Manjit Jhooty
It’s a privilege to serve as Chair of the Darlaston Board — a partnership of local residents, businesses, community organisations, and public bodies working together to shape a better future for our town.
Over the next ten years, Darlaston will receive £20 million of government investment through the Long-Term Plan for Towns programme. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make lasting improvements to our community, our local economy, and the places where we live, work, and spend time together.
The funding is being managed locally by the Darlaston Board, supported by Walsall Council. Our role is to make sure that every pound is spent wisely, transparently, and with the community at its heart. We want local people to help decide how the money should be used — whether that’s improving our high street, creating safer and greener spaces, supporting local enterprise, or enhancing opportunities for young people.
This first phase is all about listening. We’re asking residents, community groups, and local businesses to share your ideas and priorities so that our four-year plan reflects what really matters to Darlaston. Alongside this government funding, we’re also exploring opportunities to attract “matched” funding — drawing in extra investment from other public, private, and charitable sources — so that the benefits reach even further.
Your voice will help shape the projects that define Darlaston’s future. Together, we can make this the start of a new chapter for our town — one built on pride, opportunity, and collaboration.
Manjit Jhooty
Chair, Darlaston Long-Term Plan for Towns Board
The Plan for Neighbourhoods is a UK Government initiative that empowers local communities to shape investment in their own areas.
Each designated neighbourhood receives multi-year funding to deliver locally designed projects — led by a community-driven Neighbourhood Board and supported by Walsall Council and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG)
Funding is awarded directly to each town and is guided by a Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board — a partnership between local residents, businesses, and public sector organisations. Each Board is responsible for developing and delivering a 10-year vision and a 4-year investment plan that reflects local priorities.
The programme is supported by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and delivered locally by the Darlaston Board with the assistance of Walsall Council.
Projects must meet the Government’s core neighbourhood priorities:
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Safe and Strong Communities – improving local safety, resilience, and community cohesion.
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Vibrant High Streets and Local Heritage – restoring pride in local places and celebrating culture and identity.
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Transport, Access and Active Travel – creating better, safer, and more sustainable ways to move around the neighbourhood.
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Skills, Enterprise and Local Employment – supporting residents and small businesses to grow, learn, and prosper.
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Green Spaces, Health and Wellbeing – enhancing parks, play areas, and community facilities that support physical and mental health.
The Darlaston Board’s job is to listen to the community and ensure that every pound delivers long-term benefits for local people.