Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen councils have set out an ambitious shared vision for long term economic growth and regeneration across the region.
The new plan, titled Thriving Together – Tech Valleys Growth Corridor, was recently scrutinised by the Economic Development and Environmental Management Scrutiny Committee, which welcomed the proposals and the commitment to involve local people in shaping the future of their communities.
The Blueprint for Growth outlines a joint strategy to create a more prosperous region for residents, communities and businesses by 2035. The approach focuses on three key themes: infrastructure and investment, business and employment growth, and people and skills.
In Blaenau Gwent, the strategy is already being supported by significant external funding. This includes the Local Growth Fund, the £20 million Pride in Place Neighbourhood Fund for the Sirhowy Valley, and the £1.5 million Pride in Place Impact Fund. These funds will help bring forward projects and support communities to develop thriving local places.
Local people are set to play a central role in shaping how the plans are delivered. Inspired by the council’s new way of working with communities through the Blaenau Gwent Deal, funding from the Pride in Place programme will be allocated through a new Neighbourhood Board made up of residents and partners. The board will decide how the funding is spent over a 10 year period, giving communities a direct say in local investment.
The Pride in Place Impact Fund will be distributed across the borough to improve community spaces, children’s play areas and high streets in Nantyglo, Blaina and Brynmawr.
Town centres will also be supported through individual Placemaking Plans, which will be developed in consultation with local residents and key stakeholders.
The Blueprint supports the council’s priorities as a Marmot Council and its mission to drive sustainable economic growth while creating vibrant and well connected communities where people and businesses can thrive. It also responds to priorities identified by residents during the recent Citizens Assembly on The Deal, which highlighted the importance of thriving town centres, more local employment opportunities and greater involvement in shaping local places.
Overall, the plan outlines 14 joint workstreams covering areas such as transport connectivity, strategic development sites, business support, inward investment, skills and employability, placemaking, town centre development and housing.
Councillor John Morgan, Cabinet Member for Economy and Place at Blaenau Gwent Council said:
“This Blueprint sets out a clear and ambitious vision for the future of our communities — and now, with some funding secured, we can start to make real progress. This is a major step forward in creating a more prosperous, connected and confident Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen.”
“The combined impact of the Blueprint and the new funding programmes is transformative, and I am excited about the ambition and direction of travel. By bringing together strategic planning, community-led investment and a strong pipeline of deliverable projects, we are building the foundations for long-term economic success and a fairer future for our residents. And the best thing is, we’re putting people at the very heart of this, making sure their voices are heard.”
