Welsh Government allocates funding to Valleys projects

A sum of £2.2M has been invested by the Welsh Government into various economic projects in the Valleys area, with some of the most notable projects relating to the construction sector by enacting the renovation of a department store and connecting to local contractors.

One of these projects, which was visited by Welsh Government Ministers, is the renovation of a disused Co-op department store in Tonypandy, in the Rhondda Valley, into an enterprise hub by the Rhondda Housing Association, with the main aim of the scheme being to revitalise the local high street and therefore boost the local economy.

The CEO of Rhondda Housing Association, Luke Takeuchi stated: “We are delighted that Welsh Government has supported our bid as part of the challenge fund to support the Foundational Economy.

“We plan to regenerate this key area of Tonypandy’s town centre and the foundational economy principles form a key part of our strategic thinking for the project.

“We have invested in this site as we feel there is genuine potential to better utilise local skills and creative ideas to develop a vibrant mixed-use site that will improve the health, wellbeing and prosperity of local people.”

Adding to this, work and funding has also been dedicated to identifying local construction suppliers in the Neath Port Talbot area, who are capable of carrying out contracts with values less than £25,000.

Overall, the funding has been divided between a total of 27 projects in the Valleys including one which is developing an app which puts businesses in touch with skilled individuals.

The Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hannah Blythyn added: “It is been great to visit Tonypandy today to see how Welsh Government investment is helping bring a disused premises back into use for the benefit of local people.

“We recognise the challenges facing local people and local businesses in Tonypandy as they work to create a town centre which is an attractive, vibrant place for people to live, work and visit.

“This funding will help to create job opportunities and increase footfall which will be important in contributing to the local economy.

“We are committed to revitalising areas to promote economic growth that benefits our towns and communities. I look forward to seeing this investment support the area to grow and flourish.”

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