Author: Rhys Gregory

The commercial property market in Wales remained sluggish and lacking momentum in Q4 2023, according to the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Commercial Property Monitor. However, there were improvements on the previous quarter, and forward-looking sentiment improved markedly. A net balance of -23% of surveyors in Wales reported a fall in occupier demand through Q4 2023, and although remaining in negative territory, this was an improvement from the -42% that was seen in Q3. Looking at each subsector, a net balance of -18% of Welsh respondents reported a fall in demand for office space, -4% for industrial and…

The international longlist for the world’s largest and most prestigious literary prize for young writers – the Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize – has been announced this week, Thursday 25 January. With authors hailing from the UK, Nigeria, Trinidad & Tobago, US, Canada, and Hong Kong, this year’s international longlist is dominated by independent publishers – with nine indie titles. The longlist of 12 is: A Spell of Good Things by Ayòbámi Adébáyò (Canongate Books) – novel (Nigeria) Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson (Viking, Penguin Random House UK) – novel (UK/Ghana) The Glutton by A. K. Blakemore (Granta) –…

EARLY birds can grab cut-price entry to one of the country’s most popular equestrian and lifestyle events. Following last year’s spectacular Bolesworth International – which welcomed more than 17,000 people to the 6,000-acre castle estate – tickets are now on sale for this summer’s celebration, which runs from June 6-16. Located in Tattenhall, near Wrexham and Chester, the packed programme’s all-star line-up will include some of the top names in international showjumping, as well as special VIP and celebrity guests, live music, family entertainment, dog-friendly activities, ringside hospitality and more. There is also the opportunity to pitch up and stay a little…

The indoor 3G pitch has been laid at a new game-changing sports complex at Cefn Hengoed Community School and Leisure Centre. The indoor sports barn along with an expanded and refurbished leisure centre, which is part of a £7.5m investment at the site, is due to open in the coming months. Improvements include a brand new gym with all new equipment, a new fitness studio with big screen, sound system and rainbow lighting, new changing rooms and a new reception area with café, while the large sports hall has also had a make-over complete with totally new flooring. These facilities…

Dr Andrew Garrad CBE, a leading pioneer of the modern wind energy industry, has been appointed as Chair of the Western Gateway’s new independent commission to explore the potential of the Severn Estuary to create sustainable energy. With one of the highest tidal ranges in the world the Severn Estuary has long been seen as a potential source of tidal energy. This new commission will bring together a range of experts to decide whether, or not, there is now a viable option for using the Severn to create sustainable energy for the UK. Dr Garrad brings significant experience of delivering…

Newport’s full council has backed a proposal to charge a council tax premium of 100 per cent on long-term empty properties and second homes. Most local authorities in Wales have already introduced a council tax premium. Councils are allowed to charge up to 300 per cent. A consultation on a proposed charge found that 76 per cent of 470 responses were in favour of the council doing more to tackle the problem of vacant homes. More than half supported the introduction of a council tax premium with only around a third disagreeing. The most popular level of premium among those…

Newport City Council’s plans to improve Tredegar Park have taken a major step forward after it proposed to buy the freehold of the park land from its owner. Currently, the council leases the land for the purposes of providing playing fields and a recreation area for the city. The lease comes with a number of restrictive conditions attached, and purchasing the freehold will give the council greater autonomy in developing the park in line with the wishes of Newport residents. A report outlining the proposed purchase has been sent out to all councillors for comment, and if agreed will see…

South Wales Police is appealing for information on the whereabout of Dominic, 13, from Llanedeyrn, Cardiff, who has been reported missing. There is concern for Dominic’s welfare who was last seen around 8pm yesterday (Thursday, January 25). He was last seen wearing a long-sleeved red pyjama top, dark coloured pyjama bottoms and black Nike trainers. Anyone who has seen  Dominic or has information about his whereabouts is asked to contact South Wales Police by one of the following means quoting 2400029237. Live Chat https://www.south-wales.police.uk/ Contact us via https://bit.ly/SWPProvideInfo Email [email protected] 101 Always call 999 in an emergency.

Innes Robinson will take up the position on a three-year basis, with Debra Thomas returning to her position as Headteacher of Cowbridge. He aims to build on the strong foundations for success laid by Ms Thomas after she spent an extended spell as Executive Head. Mr Robinson is currently Headteacher at Whitmore High and will combine his new role with responsibilities there. He arrives with a track record for delivering success and creating a positive school culture having previously been Deputy Head of Eastern High in Cardiff. Mr Robinson said: “I’d first like to thank Debra for her efforts at…

Work is under way on two new integrated Health and Social Care community facilities in Flintshire, backed by more than £14 million in Welsh Government funding, Deputy Minister for Social Services Julie Morgan has announced. One project will see a new residential care home opened in Flint, while the other will provide a day and work services hub for individuals with learning disabilities, autism and mental health support needs in Mold. Croes Atti Residential Care Home, in Flint, will house 56 older people on the site of a former community hospital when complete. The scheme has a value of approximately…