A Christmas and New Year message from Jo Pearson, Chair of the Thetford Pride in Place Board

As we approach the Christmas break and look ahead to the New Year, I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has played a part in shaping Thetford's future over the past year.

2025 has been a landmark year for Pride in Place. Thousands of residents, businesses and community groups took part in one of the biggest engagement programmes Thetford has ever seen, helping to shape a bold and ambitious vision for the town. Together, that feedback has fed directly into a 10-year regeneration plan, which has now been submitted to government — placing Thetford among the first towns in the country to reach this important milestone.

Alongside this, we have already secured significant early investment, allowing us to begin moving from planning into action. This means real projects, real change and visible progress for the town.

None of this would have been possible without the energy, ideas and commitment of the people of Thetford, or the dedication of those working behind the scenes to support the programme. Pride in Place is about local people helping to shape local decisions, and 2025 has shown just how powerful that approach can be.

Looking ahead to 2026, we enter an exciting new phase focused on delivery - turning plans into projects and making sure investment delivers lasting benefits for the town and its communities. There is much to do, but there is also a shared sense of optimism and opportunity about what lies ahead.

On behalf of the Pride in Place Board, thank you to everyone who has been involved so far. I wish you all a very happy Christmas and a healthy, successful New Year. We look forward to continuing this journey together in 2026.

Jo Pearson