Newport is being backed by more than £20m from the UK Labour Government to boost regeneration and create opportunities for local communities. The funding is part of the new Pride in Place Programme.
Newport and 8 other places in Wales will each receive £20m over ten years, on top of 5 other towns which received similar funding earlier this year. In addition, every single Local Authority in Wales, including Newport, will also receive a £1.5m boost to help build pride in local neighbourhoods.
The money can be spent in new and creative ways on a wide range of regeneration projects, such as to save treasured pubs or libraries, revitalise high streets and town centres, create or restore green spaces and other community assets. This will help to create jobs, improve productivity, preserving heritage, enhance transport links, improve safety and – crucially – boost local pride.
This follows the £11m the UK Labour Government has invested into Newport via its Shared Prosperity Fund this year alone, which is being used to support community groups, enhance the city centre and deliver projects right across the city. Also, this year, thanks to the highest settlement to UK Government from the Welsh Government Newport’s budget was also increased by £17m which has been used to resurface roads, switch streetlights back on overnight, tackle fly tipping and boost education and social services budgets – helping to clean up streets in our city and boost pride.
Newport East MP, Jessica Morden said:
“I am very pleased that Newport will be receiving £21.5m as part of the UK Government’s Pride in Place programme and impact fund.
“This funding will make Newport an even better place to visit and work by improving our high streets, town centres and community facilities, creating jobs and improving public safety.”
Newport West and Islwyn MP, Ruth Jones said:
“This funding will make a real difference to the people across our city, really helping to boost pride in the local area.
Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens said:
“The UK Government is laser-focused on delivering economic growth and providing opportunity for all and the Pride in Place programme is a key part of us doing that.
“More than £200 million of new direct investment will see improvements made to communities up and down Wales making them even greater places to live and work. We
want to work with all our partners to make improvements that matter to local people and deliver jobs and prosperity.”