Welshpool shunned over £1.5m town centre investment

Six Mid Wales towns will be grabbing a slice of £1.5 million to invest in their town centres, but there’s nothing for Welshpool.

The Growing Mid Wales Partnership scheme, funded by Welsh Government to revitalise town centres across Mid Wales, said that the Town Centre Property Investment Fund was first announced in April 2019 as part of the wider Targeted Regeneration Investment Fund, and is designed to bring vacant commercial, residential and retail space back into use in six towns identified as most in need.

The six designated towns across Powys and Ceredigion that have been identified to benefit from the regeneration scheme are Newtown, Llandrindod Wells, Brecon, Lampeter, Llandysul and Tregaron.

There is still £200,000 of the £1.5m up for grabs and owners of empty properties within these six towns are being encouraged to apply for funding ahead of the deadline of September 14.

The fund is a package of support including loans, private investment and grants. Applicants will have to demonstrate that existing grant and loan finance options have been properly considered and exhausted before they seek funding. 

Cllr James Evans, Powys Cabinet Member for Economy, said: “This is a brilliant funding opportunity to restore empty properties and attract more people to our town centres.

“I’m pleased that there has been a good take up so far, but with almost £200,000 of funding remaining we are making a final call for potential projects.

“The damaging effects of Coronavirus on the economy means it’s more crucial than ever to seize funding opportunities and revive our town centres.

“We want our towns to be attractive places for people to live, work and visit. Creating more good quality commercial and retail space will allow more people to contribute to the local economy.

“Despite the fund only being available for six towns across the region, the investments will inevitably support our wider aspirations to strengthen the whole Mid Wales economy. I look forward to seeing some exciting refurbishments in the coming months.” 

Powys County Council is managing the administration of the programme and anyone interested can visit www.growinpowys.com/gmw for more information.