Author: Rhys Gregory

A number of empty units in the city centre and Swansea’s district shopping centres will be brought back into temporary use, thanks to a new project. Creative regeneration agency Urban Foundry will deliver the ‘Meanwhile Spaces’ project in partnership with Swansea Council. Funding for the work has been awarded through the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Opportunities will be provided for new independent businesses as part of the project, as well as local food and craft producers, social enterprises and pop-up arts and cultural activities. As well as empty commercial buildings in Swansea city centre, the project will also…

Harrison Walsh, former Ospreys rugby player turned Commonwealth and European medallist in discus, opens up about his rugby career-ending injury and the importance of seizing every opportunity as he looks ahead to next year’s Paralympic Games. At the age of 18, Harrison experienced a life changing injury during a rugby match, which cast doubt on his career prospects in the sport he loved. Determined to continue his passion for sport the former prop forward turned para-athlete wants to show how facing challenges can help you build resilience and doesn’t have to stop you from following your passions, both personally and…

As the leading advocate for skill development and career advancement, Inspiring Skills Wales is thrilled to announce the launch of registrations for Skills Competition Wales, a golden opportunity for students and apprentices across the nation to showcase their talents, gain recognition, and propel their careers to new heights. Skills Competition Wales is a prestigious platform that celebrates the exceptional skills and craftsmanship of apprentices from various industries. These competitions not only provide a stage for participants to demonstrate their abilities but also offer a unique chance to network with industry leaders, employers, and fellow apprentices. The categories to compete in…

The wastewater research team at Bangor University took home the Overall Impact Award and was awarded £20,000 at this year’s NERC Impact Awards 2023. Around 150 guests gathered for the ceremony underneath the skeleton of the blue whale, ‘Hope’, in the Natural History Museum’s famous Hintze Hall. The awards shine a spotlight on the UK environmental science at the heart of the responsible management of our planet, and were shortlisted and judged by independent panels of academic, industry, government and public engagement figures. Professor Peter Liss, Interim Executive Chair of NERC, said: “The 2023 NERC Impact Awards recognise the remarkable…

Invited guests enjoyed a first look at the new Tŷ Hotel Newport six months ahead of its opening at a special party held on the building site for the £20m development. Part of The Celtic Collection, the 146-bedroom hotel by the Coldra roundabout at Langstone will not open until the beginning of June 2024 but construction halted temporarily for a night of celebration to toast the future success of the new venue. More than 60 people gathered on the concrete foundations that will become the hotel’s Casa restaurant and bar to enjoy drinks and street food style tasters of the…

Llanishen High School is celebrating the release of a positive Estyn report this week following a full school inspection earlier this year. Striving to create a supportive, inclusive learning environment that nurtures individual growth and success, Llanishen High School goes beyond the academic to develop learning programmes that bolster the curriculum while also developing essential life skills. With the school’s latest inspection completed in September 2023 as the first since 2016, the report was broken down into five key areas with inspectors noting:  Learning – pupils are making good progress in their subject knowledge and understanding;  Wellbeing and attitudes towards…

Work to build a new state of the art flower court at Coychurch Crematorium is now complete and funerals are once again being held at the main Crallo Chapel following the conclusion of the works. The £1.2 million project, which was approved by the Coychurch Crematorium Joint Committee, will help congregations to exit the chapel more easily and will prevent delays to following services. The works have been carried out by local Bridgend based company South Wales Contractors Ltd. The flower court now also has a fully covered roof and access to the toilet facilities has been improved. The extension…

Securing the multi-million pound Celtic Freeport, opening Neath’s new swimming pool, leisure centre and library complex and securing more than £17m in Levelling Up money for the Vale of Neath tourism corridor. These were among Neath Port Talbot Council’s key achievements in the 2022/23 fiscal year outlined in its Corporate Plan Annual Report entitled Recover, Reset, Renew which was endorsed by the council’s Cabinet on 28/11/23. The report shows Neath Port Talbot Council is on track to meet four ambitious wellbeing objectives: Best Start in Life; All Communities are Thriving and Sustainable; Our local Environment, Heritage and Culture Can Be…

Welsh Government has agreed its funding package for the redevelopment of the former Merthyr Tydfil Bus Station site. The circa £1m development will see the unused space transformed into a marketplace with events area, parks, and open green space. Councillor Michelle Symonds, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “We’re delighted that this funding package has now been confirmed and the plans for the site can be realised. These are exciting times for Merthyr Tydfil Town Centre!” Leader of the Council, Councillor Geraint Thomas, said: “We’ve taken onboard the comments of residents through two phases of consultation, and we know that residents…

Residents in Powys are being asked to help the council find anyone that may be sleeping rough in the county so that help and support can be provided. Members of the public can let Powys County Council know about rough sleeping they come across by contacting its Housing Service on 01597 827464 or by emailing [email protected] Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, said: “With the weather turning colder, we’re asking residents to be on the lookout for anyone who is rough sleeping in the county. “Whilst rough sleeping is the severest form of homelessness…