Latest news with #TransformingTowns
Wales Online
2 hours ago
- Business
- Wales Online
This long-empty building has finally been transformed
This long-empty building has finally been transformed Coco's Coffee & Candles has recently opened its doors at 143b High Street in the town centre Coco's Coffee & Candles is now based at 143b High Street, which was formerly the location of Pizza Time in Merthyr (Image: Carla Anne Photography ) A new coffee and candle shop has just opened in what had been a long-term empty property in Merthyr Tydfil town centre. Coco's Coffee & Candles is now based at 143b High Street, which was formerly the location of Pizza Time on the lower part of the High Street, and it was developed by Highfield Property Group along with grant funding of £730,000 from the Welsh Government's Transforming Towns programme which allowed the re-development of the property into a commercial unit. Works included the demolition of previous structures with the full integration of new structures including steel supports, a new roof, internal studwork, boarding, plastering, fully renewed electrics and plumbing, new windows and doors and shopfront. The blank slate created by this work then allowed for the unit to become a modern, warm interior, synonymous with the original Coco's in Aberdare, the council said. There was £120,000 of funding received from UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund's Property Development and Town Centre Grant which supported the kitchen fit-out, bespoke coffee counter and banquet-style seating. To get all the latest Merthyr Tydfil news straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter here. Coco's Coffee & Candles owner Bridie Phillips said: 'Merthyr Tydfil felt like the perfect next step for Coco's Coffee & Candles. As a small family business, we're passionate about creating warm, welcoming spaces where people can relax, connect, and enjoy something special. Article continues below 'We believe independent businesses like ours bring heart and individuality to the high street — offering something truly personal that big chains often can't. The town's strong sense of community and support for local enterprise made it an easy choice for us. 'We're incredibly grateful to the Welsh Government's Transforming Towns programme and the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund for their generous support, as well as the fantastic regeneration team at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council who've helped bring our vision to life. 'We can't wait to welcome locals and visitors alike into our new space and be part of the town centre's exciting future.' Rob Price, director at Highfields Property Group, said: 'Our redevelopment of 143b High Street is a perfect example of the vision we hold for the future of the town centre and this project reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality transformations of vacant properties. 'Our goal is to attract and collaborate with exciting, innovative businesses, helping bring their ideas to life and re-energising the high street. 'In the case of Coco's, we've been able to help Bridie expand her already hugely successful brand and bring it to Merthyr Tydfil's High Street. We're proud to do this in partnership with the council's regeneration team and Welsh Government Councillor Jamie Scriven, cabinet member for regeneration, leisure and tourism, said: 'As cabinet member for economy, regeneration, leisure, and tourism I am delighted to welcome Coco's Coffee & Candles to Merthyr Tydfil. 'If you have ever visited the Aberdare store you will be aware that Coco's pride themselves on speciality coffee, bakes, lunch, and their fragrance products voted best luxury candle brand of 2023. 'Officially opened on Wednesday, May 28, Cocos Merthyr is a unique addition to our town's lower high street, with two floors of seating choice in a relaxed atmosphere with friendly staff, we hope you will visit time and time again.' Article continues below
Wales Online
22-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Plans to transform Welsh town centre shelved
Plans to transform Welsh town centre shelved Earlier this year the Welsh Government announced a £4m funding pot available over the next three years to 'help revitalise' town centres in Ceredigion and Powys under the Transforming Towns programme Crickhowell town centre (Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service ) Plans to revamp the heart of a Powys town have been put on hold as "no specific funding" was identified from a potential £4m pot. Liberal Democrat councillor for Crickhowell with Cwmdu and Tretower, Claire Hall, earlier this month sought an update on a project to enhance Crickhowell Town Centre from the cabinet member for a more prosperous Powys, Cllr David Selby. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here. Cllr Hall said: "On April 16 the Welsh Government announced an extension to its Transforming Towns (TT) programme for a further two years. "Can the portfolio holder advise when the TT monies that were allocated by Powys County Council for improving Crickhowell town centre be available and the proposals for transformation of the town's high street implemented?" Cllr Hall clarified that a scheme has already been devised in "full consultation" with the community and had been adopted by both Crickhowell town council and Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority. She added that the scheme is essentially just "awaiting delivery" once funding is allocated. Cllr Selby, a Liberal Democrat who stepped down from the cabinet last week, replied: "Highways [department] did do some consultation work in Crickhowell as part of the transforming high streets work but as there was a fairly clear opposition to any of the proposed works the proposals were put on hold. Article continues below "As such there is no specific allocated funding for Crickhowell although that is not to say if the local position were to change highways couldn't bid for funding to take forward." Earlier this year the Welsh Government announced a £4m funding pot available over the next three years to "help revitalise" town centres in Ceredigion and Powys under the Transforming Towns programme. The objective of this fund is to "re-imagine and recreate buildings and open spaces to create resilient and thriving town centres". The placemaking plan for Crickhowell, agreed upon last year, outlines a blueprint for the town for a 15-year period up to 2039. Potential projects to enhance the town centre would be derived from this document. Placemaking plans can also serve as supplementary planning guidance. The plan articulates the town council's aspirations for future development, building on existing strengths and addressing current issues. The plan also provides an evidence base that can be utilised when applying for grant applications. Proposals stemming from this analysis of Crickhowell and its residents' needs cover several themes including addressing flood risk, improving access to green spaces in the town, meeting local housing need, and developing a local renewable energy network. Article continues below Proposals to revamp the town centre have been tabled with a key objective in mind which is to "create a safer, more pedestrian-friendly environment with better crossing options". The debate on enhancing parking facilities is also featured in the plans and involves exploring additional off-street parking prospects such as utilising Crickhowell High School for parking during weekends.
South Wales Guardian
22-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Ammanford 'neglected' by Transforming Towns funding decision
In the last four years, Carmarthenshire County Council was granted £6.65m from the Transforming Towns scheme. However, shadow cabinet for resources and environment Cllr Kevin Madge believes this confirms that Ammanford has received less investment compared to other towns in the county. Cllr Madge thinks millions of pounds need to be spent in Ammanford. (Image: Newsquest) Mr Madge said: 'This document proves all the money has gone everywhere apart from Ammanford. £6.5 million has been spent and we have only been given crumbs. 'The only way to improve Ammanford is to spend a lot of money. I am doing everything I can to make this happen. We need to spend millions because millions have been spent elsewhere in other towns. 'I've been saying for years that all I'm asking is for Ammanford to get its fair share. I'm not against spending money in other parts of the country. 'Too many statements have been made. Anyone can make statements. It's about delivering. I think this reiterates that Ammanford has been neglected for the past ten years. I would like further information on where the money has gone. 'Most of the money has gone towards building a new Debenhams store in Carmarthen. Meanwhile, there is a lack of decent shops in Ammanford. When I was leader ten years ago, I made plans for Ammanford and spent millions of pounds.' The document lists examples on how the funding has been used in each Welsh county, including places such as Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, Cardiff, Swansea and Newport. The following is listed for Carmarthenshire: Carmarthenshire County Council has responded to Cllr Madge's accusations and claimed the document displays just a "snapshot" of the investments made. Councillor Hazel Evans, the council's cabinet member for regeneration, leisure, culture and tourism, said: 'The detail on Carmarthenshire, along with the other local authorities, is snapshot of examples rather than all activity completed through Transforming Towns. 'We have a number of third-party projects in Ammanford which have been missed from the list in question. 'We have consultants engaged to look at a feasibility plan funded through Transforming Towns and work is ongoing to develop a potential project to enhance Ammanford town centre.'
South Wales Argus
20-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
More than £2m used to improve Vale of Glamorgan towns
Around £314 million has been invested across all 22 local authorities in Wales via the Transforming Towns programme since 2020, with £2,210,000 going to the Vale of Glamorgan Council from 2021 onwards. This has been used to "improve the look and feel of town centres", tackle empty properties on Holton Road in Barry, and fund the Barry Western Gateway project - providing affordable homes and a new health clinic. The newly released figures come as the Welsh Labour government announced a further £31.5 million for the Transforming Towns fund in 2024/2025. Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government Jayne Bryant said: "Transforming Towns isn't just a snappy slogan or government jargon– it's money in the hands of local communities who know how best how to use it to reinvigorate their towns." Vale of Glamorgan MS Jane Hutt said: "Our towns and high streets are the beating hearts of our communities... The £2.2 million already provided by the Welsh Labour Government to the council has seen vacant shops tackled and more benches and planters in our towns to attract visitors to the Vale."
Leader Live
14-05-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Wrexham: Grant and loans to re-energise city centre
Wrexham Council will use £200k of Transforming Towns funding to offer grants of up to £50k as well as offering commercial city centre loans between £5,000 and £1,000,000 repayable of a maximum period of five-years. Subject to eligibility, the schemes can be used to enhance building frontages, bring vacant commercial floor space back into use. The loans scheme can also be used to support the purchase of city centre buildings. Transforming Towns is a Welsh Government initiative designed to help regenerate town centres, ensuring they continue to play a key role in local economies and communities. Councillor Nigel Williams, Lead Member for Economy, said: 'This is an incredibly exciting time for Wrexham, and these grants and loans will help revitalise and enhance city centre properties. "I would encourage eligible owners and leaseholders to apply for this funding, and help breathe new life into their premises. 'Wrexham is Wales' newest city, and it's important we have a vibrant and exciting city centre.' Cabinet secretary for housing and local government, Jayne Bryant, praised the success of the Transforming Towns programme in her speech to the All-Wales Regeneration Conference in February, saying: '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.' Grants are available to retail and commercial property owners and lease holders with premises in the city centre. All grant works must be complete by February 28, 2026. Loans are available to retail and commercial property owners and lease holders with premises in the city centre or those planning to buy in the city centre. These monies can be used to help fund external and internal building works including Shopfronts, roof and structural works and repurposing internal building layouts. MORE NEWS Loan funds can be used to support the creation of units for residential accommodation subject to planning approval being in place. If you would like more information around eligibility of works and including how to apply for Transforming Towns Property Development Grant email Grants@ If you would like more information around eligibility of works for Transforming Towns city centre loans including how to apply email loans@
