Wrexham has moved a step closer to securing a share of £90 million capital investment from the Welsh Government.
Local Assembly Member Lesley Griffiths has welcomed the decision as Wrexham Council’s bid successfully passed through to Stage 2 of the Vibrant and Viable Places assessment process.
The procedure is highly competitive as every local authority in Wales applied for funding. Half of the initial 22 bids have now been rejected at the first stage and the Local Authority will now have to develop and expand their strategies as they proceed to Stage 2.
Launched as the Welsh Government’s regeneration framework in March 2013, Vibrant and Viable Places will allocate capital investment for specific projects and areas throughout Wales.
Wrexham Council submitted their proposals in July, seeking £15m and aiming to regenerate the town centre, as well as Communities First areas in Caia Park and Hightown. If the bid is successful, the scheme would be supported by private sector finance to build and improve hundreds of homes, create new businesses and opportunities for residents to develop skills.
The deadline for Stage 2 applications is 25th November with the final outcome announced in the New Year.
Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths said:
“The Welsh Government’s commitment to investing and regenerating communities across Wales is to be commended.”
“I am delighted the Local Authority has made the most of this opportunity and has worked extremely hard to develop a thorough and detailed application.”
“Whilst it is clearly positive news Wrexham’s proposals have remained in the running, there is still a lot of work to be done as the process remains highly competitive.”
“I feel regeneration focused on Wrexham town centre and both Communities First areas is extremely important to our region and I will continue to support the bid as best I can.”
