Major UK Government funding programme to revitalise communities and restore local pride
NINE communities across Wales have been selected to receive up to £20 million each in long-term regeneration funding under a major UK Government programme aimed at revitalising neighbourhoods, restoring civic pride and creating new opportunities for local people.
The funding forms part of the Pride in Place Programme, announced last year, which will see £180 million invested across nine Welsh local authorities over the next 10 years. The programme targets areas identified as having the greatest need for regeneration and community investment.
For the first time, the specific communities that will benefit from the funding have now been confirmed.
The neighbourhoods selected are:
- Blaenau Gwent: Sirhowy Valley
- Caerphilly: Bargoed, Aberbargoed and New Tredegar
- Cardiff: Ely and Caerau
- Carmarthenshire: Llanelli
- Conwy: Llandudno
- Neath Port Talbot: Upper Afan Valley
- Newport: Newport city centre
- Rhondda Cynon Taf: Rhondda Fach
- Swansea: High Street and Dyfatty
Each area will receive up to £20 million to support a wide range of community-led regeneration projects, from tackling graffiti and antisocial behaviour to restoring valued community buildings and improving public spaces.
In addition to the Pride in Place funding, every local authority in Wales will also receive a share of a further £34.5 million in capital funding to improve public spaces. This will include repairing bus shelters, reopening park toilets, installing more litter bins, and upgrading run-down leisure centres.
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens marked the announcement by visiting Tredegar in Blaenau Gwent, where she met with community members to discuss how the funding could be used locally.
She said:
“We are directly backing our communities with this significant investment. People living in these areas are in control of this funding and now have the support to make them even better places to live and work.
“The UK Government is focused on delivering jobs, prosperity and growth, and the Pride in Place programme is a key part of that. Working in partnership with the Welsh Government, we’re investing directly in Welsh communities to build stronger, thriving neighbourhoods.”
Local leaders have welcomed the announcement, describing it as a major opportunity for long-term regeneration.
Councillor John Morgan, Cabinet Member for Economy and Place at Blaenau Gwent Council, said:
“This is fantastic news for the Sirhowy Valley. The funding will make a real difference to our communities and fits in with our wider regeneration plans for the area. Listening to local people and involving communities in decision-making will be key to making this a success.”
Conwy Council Leader Julie Fallon said the funding would bring lasting change to Llandudno:
“This investment will make a lasting difference in this community, which is among some of the most deprived neighbourhoods in the country. It will improve the places people live and work and create new opportunities for residents who deserve to see meaningful change.”
Neighbourhood Boards, made up of local residents, community groups and stakeholders, will now be established in each area to decide how the funding is spent. Investment is expected to begin from April 2026.
Projects could include revitalising town centres and high streets, preserving local heritage, creating jobs, improving transport links, boosting skills and productivity, enhancing health and wellbeing, developing housing, and improving community safety.
The programme represents one of the largest long-term community regeneration investments in Wales in recent years, with local people placed at the centre of decision-making.
