Nearly £5 million is to be invested across a number of local regeneration project in Wales.

The £4.9m funding will aim to maximise the economic impact of the schemes and help support regeneration in towns across the country.

Some of the schemes include;

• £1m towards the restoration of the Grade II listed Brecknock Museum and Art Gallery and the construction of adjacent contemporary new building to house the new Brecon library, rooms for education, community and conference use and retail areas for local produce

• Swansea Council secures £300,000 to support the refurbishment of three properties, to create 10 housing units in Swansea city centre, and to create commercial floor space in three currently vacant premises


• £162,000 invested in Shotton to help purchase and redevelop the former Tata Steel Sports and Social Club

• £80,000 to help fund the conversion of an old college building in Barry to create the BSC Squared Business Centre, a dedicated business start up and incubator space to support micro businesses and SMEs

Speaking during a visit to the Tramshed project in Cardiff, Housing and Regeneration Minister Rebecca Evans AM said: "These projects will help towards work to regenerate towns across Wales, and will be used for a range of projects, from clearing derelict buildings in Rhyl for redevelopment, to refurbish old buildings to create housing in Swansea.

"The Tramshed is a great example of how Welsh Government support can help to kickstart regeneration. This new investment will help local councils to regenerate areas, in line with our wider priorities, such as supporting people into employment or training, health and well-being, and tackling poverty.

"Communities across Wales will feel the benefit of this money, and I look forward to seeing how these projects make a difference to people’s lives."

(LM/MH)