Chair appointed to lead Lupset’s £20m regeneration project

Simon Topham was selected to lead Lupset’s new neighbourhood board which will oversee government investment in area.

In September last year, Lupset and Featherstone were chosen to each receive an annual grant of £2m over the next decade as part of the Pride in Place project.

The scheme represents a commitment of up to £5.8b to support 400 neighbourhoods across the UK that have experienced long‑term deprivation.

A key feature of the project is the creation of neighbourhood boards made up of people with strong ties to the area.

Simon Lightwood, MP for Wakefield and Rothwell, announced Mr Topham’s appointment at an event at St George’s Community Centre on Wednesday (April 1).

Mr Topham is the chief executive of Citizens Advice Wakefield District and a board member of two local charities.

Mr Lightwood said: “This £20m will have a huge impact for Lupset residents over the next decade.

“Simon Topham has a very strong track record of championing community‑led approaches and strengthening local partnerships.

“His appointment marks a key step in establishing a robust, resident‑focused board capable of delivering the ambitions of the Pride in Place programme and ensuring Lupset benefits fully from this long‑term investment.”

Mr Topham said he was “delighted and honoured” to take on the role, describing the programme as “such an exciting opportunity for the community.”

He said: “Over the next decade, Pride in Place will invest millions of pounds in Lupset with the direct input and views of the residents of Lupset being key at every stage of planning and decision making.

“As an impartial chair, my role is to ensure the programme is shaped primarily by the people of Lupset, reflecting their vision for their community’s future.

“I look forward to being an independent but deeply engaged chair.

“I promise to do my very best to help Pride in Place do brilliant things with this opportunity for the benefit of everyone in Lupset.”