Wales awarded £111 million from Levelling Up Fund

Seven projects in Wales have been awarded a share of £111 million.

It is hoped that the money will drive economic growth and spread equality to historically overlooked areas, restoring pride in the places people live.

Neath Port Talbot has been awarded £27 million, for two successful bids. £15 million will be used to regenerate Port Talbot town centre with improvements to Civic Square, the refurbishment of Princess Royal Theatre and improvements to green space at Riverside.

Barry Dock waterfront has been awarded £20 million to create a vibrant public area with a new business centre and food and drink outlets, along with almost £18 million to encourage healthier ways of travel in Powys.

Levelling up secretary Michael Gove said: "Levelling Up means delivering local’s people’s priorities and bringing transformational change in communities that have, for too long, been overlooked and undervalued. 

"Today we are backing 55 projects across the UK with £1 billion to create new jobs and opportunities, power economic growth, and revitalise local areas.  

"This funding sits alongside our wider initiatives to spread growth, through devolving more money and power out of Westminster to towns and cities, putting in place bespoke interventions to places that need it most, and our long-term plan for towns."

Secretary of state for Wales David TC Davies said: "This is another hugely significant investment in transformative projects across Wales. From town centre regeneration to improving travel infrastructure, these schemes will have a positive impact for generations to come.     

"The UK Government continues to invest in communities throughout Wales as we work towards our aims of growing the Welsh economy and levelling up the UK."