Yesterday the government committed to £208 million of levelling up funding to regenerate communities in Wales.
A total of 11 projects will benefit from the money which its hoped will help to drive economic growth, create jobs and boost local pride in Wales.
More than 100 projects across the country have been awarded a share of £2.1 billion of levelling up funding in the latest round of grants.
Grants in Wales include £50m for Cardiff Crossrail to develop a new line between Cardiff Bay and Cardiff Central Station, the joint largest award for a UK project.
£9m will go towards building a new engineering campus for 600 students in Blaenau Gwent and £18.6m for a new cycle route between Llandudno Junction and Betws y Coed through the Conwy Valley.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: ‘Through greater investment in local areas, we can grow the economy, create good jobs and spread opportunity everywhere.
‘That’s why we are backing a number of projects with new transformational funding to level up local communities in Wales.
‘By reaching even more parts of the country than before, we will build a future of optimism and pride in people’s lives and the places they call home.’
Theatre and architectural landmark the Grand Pavillion in South Wales town Porthcawl will be getting £18m for renovations, new walkways and cycle paths are set to be built in Holyhead, and £20m will regenerate three industry heritage sites in Lower Swansea Valley.
In North Wales, £18.8m will go towards upgrading walking and cycling routes to the National Slate Musuem in Gwynedd and the Neuadd Ogwen arts centre, while £11m will restore monuments in Ruthin, including St Peter’s Church and the town square.
An additional £7.6m will restore derelict buildings to create a new restaurant at the Pontypool Cultural Hub project in Torfaen and £20m will be used to build a new leisure centre in Caerphilly, complete with gym and swimming pool.
Secretary of State for Wales David TC Davies said: ‘This is a hugely significant investment in truly significant projects across Wales. I’m delighted to see so many successful bids from around the country for schemes which will have an impact for generations to come.
‘This funding will regenerate town centres and historic buildings, create new cycle and walking paths through some of our most beautiful countryside, improve facilities for visitors, deliver transport solutions for Cardiff and contribute to the health and future job opportunities for people in the areas involved.’
Photo by Catrin Ellis