New £26 Million Funding Opportunity to Revitalise Town Centres

Community and social enterprises across Wales may benefit from a new batch of funding aimed at transforming our town and city centres. The Welsh Government has announced a two-year extension to its Transforming Towns Placemaking Grant, with an additional £26 million now available to support regeneration projects across the country, funded by the UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund.

The programme, originally launched in March 2021, streamlines several smaller grants into one simplified capital grant scheme. It supports a wide variety of initiatives, from repurposing vacant buildings and enhancing public spaces to creating greener, more recreational areas like small parks and play spaces.

In welcome news for applicants, the maximum grant allowance has been increased from £250,000 to £300,000, offering greater financial support for individual projects.

Local authorities manage the application process and prioritise submissions, but third sector organisations, town councils, Business Improvement Districts, and even individuals are eligible to deliver projects.

In past rounds, the fund has supported exciting developments such as the transformation of the former Woolpack pub in Glynneath into a doughnut café with four residential flats, and the comprehensive refurbishment of the Canterbury Arms in Neath. Other projects, like Cyngor Gwynedd’s enhancements to Bangor’s wayfinding and public information signage, have helped make town centres more accessible and easier to navigate.

Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, highlighted the programme’s importance in her February speech to the All-Wales Regeneration Conference:

“By investing in our towns and city centres, we are not only enhancing the physical environment but also fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents.”

If your community group or social enterprise has plans to repurpose empty buildings, improve public spaces, or increase access to local amenities, this fund could be a valuable opportunity.

The fund is administered by local authorities, so speak to your local council about how to apply and whether your project is eligible.