The UK Government has announced a major investment of £180 million to breathe new life into nine Welsh communities as part of the Pride in Place Programme. Each area will receive up to £20 million over ten years to restore pride, boost opportunity, and improve quality of life for local people.
The selected neighbourhoods include Sirhowy Valley in Blaenau Gwent, Bargoed and New Tredegar in Caerphilly, Ely & Caerau in Cardiff, Llanelli in Carmarthenshire, Llandudno in Conwy, Upper Afan Valley in Neath Port Talbot, Newport city centre, Rhondda Fach in Rhondda Cynon Taf, and High Street & Dyfatty in Swansea.
This long-term funding will empower local people to decide how to spend the money, with Neighbourhood Boards formed from residents, community groups and stakeholders guiding decisions on projects.
Projects could span revitalising high streets, preserving heritage buildings, creating jobs, improving transport links, boosting skills and productivity, enhancing health and wellbeing, supporting housing and community safety.
In addition to the £180 million, £34.5 million will be shared across all Welsh local authorities to improve public spaces — from fixing bus shelters and reopening park toilets to installing more bins and upgrading leisure centres.
The initiative places local people at the heart of regeneration, aiming to transform these neighbourhoods into thriving, vibrant places to live, work and enjoy, with investment beginning from April 2026.
