Transforming Towns package worth £90M announced

Welsh town centres are set to benefit from a new £90M Transforming Towns package from the Welsh Government, which dedicates £36M to the regeneration of town centres and a further £13.6M to rejuvenate derelict and abandoned buildings.

Going into more detail, the latest Transforming Towns package will also dedicate £5M towards the provision of ‘green infrastructure’ and the protection of biodiversity in addition to £2M for the funding of regeneration projects in coastal towns.

The Welsh Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hannah Blythyn stated: “We have great towns in Wales, towns with inspiring histories and unique assets. But we want our towns to have great futures as well as great pasts, and we know that some of our towns are facing challenges.

“The retail sector has shrunk dramatically and this trend looks set to continue. This is why we need to refocus our efforts on town centres, transforming them to be to be fit for the 21^st Century.

“As part of [the Transforming Towns] package, we are taking action to bring empty and derelict properties in our town centres back into use and our Town Centre First Principle will help bring increased footfall and vibrancy.

“Taken together these measures will make a significant contribution to the health of our town centres. It signals that this Government is serious about transforming towns right across Wales.”

A WLGA Spokesperson for Regeneration, Councillor Rob Stewart added: “Town centres play a vital role in Wales, and they have long been a hub of day-to-day life. However, it is no secret that they have faced huge difficulties in recent years in the wake of retail closures, online shopping, public sector cutbacks and continued lack of investment.

“Local authorities recognise the value of town centres for whole communities, which is why many councils have decided to open new civic offices, public sector offices, one stop shops, or schools in their local town centres.

“Although a town centre location will not be appropriate for all services and facilities, this approach will ensure that these locations are given primary consideration, and that any decisions for locating elsewhere should be backed by evidence.”

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