The Welsh Government has announced the extension of its Transforming Towns Placemaking Grant for an additional two years, with a substantial £26 million funding boost to support town centres across Wales.
Introduced in March 2021, the grant consolidates various smaller regeneration grants into a single, streamlined capital grant programme.
The Transforming Towns Placemaking Grant supports a wide range of interventions, including commercial property improvements, increased town centre living, and enhanced public spaces. It also promotes the greening of town centres with new recreational facilities such as small parks and play areas. The maximum grant allowance has been increased from £250,000 to £300,000 per application, providing greater support for individual placemaking projects.
Jayne Bryant, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, said:
“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.
“Bringing empty properties back into active use and breathing new life into our town and city centres are key pillars of our regeneration strategy here in Wales.
“The continuation of the grant programme, with increased funding and grant allowances, makes funding for regeneration projects more accessible, enabling us to build on the successes we have already achieved.”
Projects can be delivered by local authorities, town councils, Business Improvement Districts, third and private sector organisations, and individuals. Applications are prioritised and processed by local authorities.
The previous round of grant funding has already transformed vacant properties across Wales. For example, the former Woolpack in Glynneath now houses a doughnut coffee shop with four one-bed flats above following extensive renovation. Similarly, the former Canterbury Arms in Neath underwent comprehensive refurbishment to create three commercial units on the ground floor with four residential flats above. Cyngor Gwynedd utilised the grant funding to improve Bangor City Centre by installing new fingerposts and information boards on local landmarks, encouraging residents and visitors to explore the unique offerings of Bangor.
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