£31.5 million for Welsh towns and cities

The Welsh government have announced a £31.5 million boost for nine local authorities to help deliver projects such as Y Storfa in Swansea, the Queen’s Market in Rhyl and the demolition of Newport Leisure Centre.

Confirmed at the end of the last financial year, this extra funding brings the total investment for 2024-25 up to £70 million.

This is part of the Welsh government’s Transforming Towns Programme, which aims to revitalise community spaces, towns and cities. So far, the programme has awarded more than £314 million in grant and loan funding to support regeneration across Wales.

The cabinet secretary for housing and local government, Jayne Bryant, said: “Projects like the YMCA or the library in Llanelli town centre are a fantastic example of how Transforming Town funding can be used to bring empty and underused buildings back into active use, revitalising public spaces.

“It’s so important that we continue to create places that serve the needs of local communities while celebrating their unique heritage and character. That way, we can support communities’ future while also championing their past."