Caerphilly county borough council has launched a new regeneration strategy to help the authority continue to deliver improvements across the area over the next 5 years.
The strategy was officially launched at a national town centre regeneration conference held at Penallta House council offices in Ystrad Mynach recently. Jocelyn Davies AM, Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration was a guest speaker at the event and helped officially launch the document.
The main focus of the exciting new strategy are the key areas of People, Business & Places. Cllr Ron Davies, CCBC cabinet member for regeneration said, “This document is a blueprint for the regeneration of the whole county borough over the coming years. We will work with our partners to create a sustainable and diverse economy through developing and building upon the strengths of our people, businesses and places.”
Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration, Jocelyn Davies AM said, “My ambition is to see places right across Wales where the environment is attractive, where people live in good quality homes and where there are well maintained and safe public spaces. I want there to be plenty of things to do locally, good schools that allow children of all abilities to develop their potential, and good job and training opportunities.
“Regeneration is the key to this and I am delighted to officially launch Caerphilly Council’s regeneration strategy which will allow them to build on the good work they have already undertaken and help to realise these ambitions.”
The council adopted its previous regeneration strategy – called the ‘SMART Alternative’ – back in 2003 and considerable progress and achievements have been made since then, particularly in business growth, reducing unemployment, increasing economic activity and increasing school performance.
Key achievements over recent years include: –
- The ongoing redevelopment of Bargoed including the Angel Way road scheme, town centre improvements and plans for a new retail / leisure development
- Creation of Oakdale Business Park – A reclaimed ex-colliery site transformed into a modern business park
- The successful Communities First programme – a model of best practice across the country
- Housing – growth that is second only to Cardiff
- Education improvements – leading authority in the implementation of innovative initiatives. Community projects such as New Tredegar, demonstrating an integrated approach to regeneration
- Key indicators – Economically active and employed residents rising from 65% (2003) to 66.2% (2008 prior to the recession), and incapacity benefit claimants reducing from 16.7% (2003) to 13.7% (2009).
“This new strategy will build on the successes achieved to date and will enable a more holistic approach, acknowledging that regeneration requires a balance between social, economic and physical interventions – People, Business and Places. I look forward to seeing further improvements in our local communities over the coming years,” added Cllr Ron Davies.
