A chair has been appointed to lead the Boulevard and St Andrews Pride in Place Community Board. Simon Berry will take up the role, with support from newly appointed deputy chair Haitam Amudi.
As residents of the area of benefit and active members of the community, both are eager to begin working with local people to help deliver change for the neighbourhood.
The appointment follows an overwhelmingly positive response from the community, with 19 local residents applying for the role. This strong level of interest highlights the community’s appetite for getting involved, shaping the future of the area, and helping to deliver meaningful, lasting change.
A selection panel made up of Emma Hardy MP, St Andrews and Docklands councillor, Daren Hale, the Bishop of Hull, and a Hull City Council officer interviewed shortlisted candidates and jointly agreed the appointment.
Emma Hardy said the next stage is crucial: working closely with the new Chair and Deputy Chair to build a dynamic, representative, and motivated board that will guide how the £20 million Pride in Place investment is delivered locally.
On the appointments, Ms Hardy, said: “I want to thank everyone who applied for the role of chair. It’s fantastic to see such enthusiasm from people who are passionate about making a difference in the local community.
“I’m really looking forward to working alongside Simon, Haitam and local councillors to build a board that truly represents the voices of Boulevard and St Andrews.
“I can’t wait to spend more time with residents, hearing directly from them about how they want this investment to be used and I’m excited to get on with the next phase so we can start delivering for this community.”
Cllr Ted Dolman, portfolio holder for communities at Hull City Council, said: “The council welcomes the appointment of our first chair and deputy chair as part of the Pride in Place scheme.
“Such strong public interest in the roles shows our communities really do have pride in their place and to have two people embedded within the Boulevard and St Andrews area will ensure the requirements of those residents are met.”
Simon Berry, who has now been appointed chair, said: “I am delighted to have been selected as the Pride in Place Chairperson. I’m really looking forward to engaging with the community and working together to ensure the funds are used to develop the area in the best possible way.
“Over the coming months we will be looking at building a strong board to support the area’s needs, identifying where investment is required and how it can be applied most effectively to benefit everyone.
“Working with different groups across the whole community may be challenging at times, but I’m confident that by collaborating and listening we can deliver something truly special for the area over the next ten years.”
New deputy chair, Haitam Almudi, expressed pride in his appointment, saying: “I’m incredibly proud to have been appointed deputy chair of the Boulevard and St Andrews Pride in Place Community Board. As someone who lives in the area, I care deeply about our community and the opportunities this investment can bring.
“I’m looking forward to working alongside Simon, local residents, community groups, faith groups and partners to make sure the voices of people who live here are at the heart of every decision we make.”
Leanne Fudge, St Andrews and Docklands councillor, welcomed the appointment, saying: “It is great news that Simon and Haitam have been appointed to be the resident chairman and deputy chairman of our Pride in Place. We are eager to see this project delivering for local people.”
The Bishop of Hull, who was a member of the selection panel, said: “Pride in Place is an important opportunity for local communities to shape investment in their own area. It was a privilege to be part of the appointment process. I really look forward to working with Simon and Haitam and others in our volunteer, community and faith organisations in the Pride of Place delivery.”
The new community board will play a key role in shaping priorities, championing local voices, and ensuring this once‑in‑a-generation investment brings maximum benefit to the people of Boulevard and St Andrews.