New Chair appointed for £20 million community initiative in Exeter

Friday, 17 July 2026 16:30

By Chris Collman

A £20 million initiative to strengthen communities in Exeter has taken a major step forward with the appointment of an independent Chair.

Andy Mulcock is the new Chair of the Neighbourhood Board, tasked with delivering the government-backed Pride in Place Programme in Heavitree and Whipton.

A total of £20 million will be spent in the area over the next ten years.

The Pride in Place Programme is designed to put communities at the centre of decision-making, ensuring that investment represents the needs, ideas and ambitions of local people.

Now that a Chair has been appointed, a Neighbourhood Board will be established to work out the best way to spend the money. The Board will bring together residents, councillors, local organisations and partners to identify priorities and guide how the funding is used.

Members of the Board will be recruited to work with the community to co-create a Pride in Place Plan, setting out how the money should be spent. More information on how to apply to become a board member can be found here: Board members - Exeter City Council

It will be up to the Board to decide what’s in the plan but it must be able to show that it’s a genuine reflection of what local residents want.

Andy was appointed after demonstrating his passion and commitment to Heavitree and Whipton area in various community initiatives in recent years.

Andy said: “As a longstanding local resident, I feel privileged and excited to be appointed to the Board. I believe my many years of experience working on community projects in Exeter will help guide this great initiative for Whipton and Heavitree.”

Andy has lived in the local area with his family since 1987 and been involved with the community across many different voluntary roles.

He has led numerous projects, church congregations, networks of leaders as well as serving as trustee, director and chair of several different organisations.

He has been involved with Isca Church and charity, as well as helping establish the Beacon Community Centre in Beacon Heath. He has been Chair of governors at Ladysmith First School in the 1990s, and Chair of Governors at St James School, as well as serving on the Exeter Commission led by Professor Ted Wragg to set up the current school system that is currently in place across the city.

Exeter MP, Steve Race, who has been involved with the initiative, said: “I’m delighted that Andy Mulcock has been chosen to Chair the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board, from a very strong set of candidates.

“As someone who has lived, worked and volunteered in this community for the best part of 40 years, I know that he really understands his local communities. I know he will work to get the best possible impact from the £20m of Pride in Place funding.

“The next step is to recruit a board that will make sure everyone in the area has the chance to make their voice heard, collaborating with the local community to decide how the money is spent.

“I look forward to working with Andy and the rest of the board to deliver real and lasting change for the people of Whipton and Heavitree.”

For more information about the Neighbourhood Board member role, visit - Board members - Exeter City Council

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