Author: Rhys Gregory

The first phase of the Cardiff Crossrail – a tram‑train route from Cardiff Central railway station to Cardiff Bay via Callaghan Square – is set to move into the construction phase, with GRAHAM identified as the principal contractor. This milestone marks a major step forward for the vision of Cardiff Crossrail, which, when complete, will deliver a modern tram system connecting Plasdwr in the north west of the city with the proposed new Parkway railway station in the east. Following Cabinet approval at its meeting on March 19th, delegated authority will be given to proceed with GRAHAM as the principal…

Cardiff Council is setting out further steps to improve the city’s recycling and composting rate, as it strives towards the Welsh Government’s 70% target. Recycling and composting targets in Wales are set in law by the Welsh Government, with the target set higher in Wales compared with other parts of the United Kingdom. Failure to meet the targets can result in significant fines, with a possible fine of £200 for every tonne that is not recycled. Recycling in Cardiff has improved in recent years, rising to 64% in 2024/25, but there is still significant potential to recycle more household waste. Around…

Work is underway on a £4.9m project to build a new dining hall for Townhill Community Primary School along with an all-weather multi-use games area. A ceremony has been held to mark the start of the Welsh Government funded scheme. The new hall will ensure that the school can fully deliver the Welsh Government’s universal primary free school meal initiative, which sees every primary pupil in Wales offered a free lunchtime meal. All pupils at Townhill currently receive a free school meal if they wish and this will continue while work takes place, but the current school kitchen and canteen…

Neath Port Talbot Council has approved a programme of investment designed to improve neighbourhoods, strengthen local infrastructure and support communities across the County Borough. The Neighbourhood Improvement Plan will direct around £4.5m of funding into priority areas over the next three years. The funding forms part of the £5m allocation previously approved through the Capital Strategy. A portion of this amount has already supported urgent upgrades to playgrounds, and the remaining funds will now be distributed across four key areas of work. The first area will provide £250,000 for new plant and equipment for Neighbourhood Services and the Rights of…

Businesses across Neath Port Talbot, Swansea and Bridgend are being invited to apply for a major new funding opportunity designed to support investment, growth and job creation as part of the Tata Steel transition. The Economic Growth & Investment Fund, administered by Neath Port Talbot Council on behalf of the UK Government and Tata Steel UK, is now open for applications, offering grants of between £300,001 and £1.5 million to support business expansion and new economic opportunities in the region. The fund has been established to help stimulate investment in sectors with strong growth potential, including advanced manufacturing, engineering, green…

Pembrokeshire County Council has released plans for a brand‑new school in Milford Haven that will provide modern, inspiring learning spaces for children and young people across the community. The accompanying video includes the First Minister, Local Authority Deputy Leader, Cabinet Member and Headteacher providing an opportunity to talk about what the new school will provide regarding specialist teaching areas, improved accessibility, and high‑quality outdoor learning and play spaces. It also highlights the project’s strong focus on sustainability, with energy‑efficient features and modern building standards designed to reduce environmental impact and deliver long‑term value. The project is part of a Strategic…

Newport City Council’s cabinet have approved a proposal to buy a building in Commercial Street which once housed two large shops but now lies empty. One of the units was home to WH Smith until the company ceased trading while the other adjoining store was formerly used by Mothercare and BlueInc, among others. It was agreed to carry out an appraisal of the site to consider potential options for the site, particularly to find out if there is any alternative to demolition. The total cost of buying the building will be just over £455,000 and will be met by an…

Caerphilly county borough council has welcomed a major funding announcement from Welsh Government to deliver a number of integrated transport schemes across the area. More than £115million of funding has been awarded to local authorities across Wales as part of Welsh Government’s Regional Transport Fund (2026 to 2027). A major new transport interchange has been given the green light in Caerphilly town centre, which will transform the existing railway and bus stations into a new flagship transport hub. Other schemes include road safety improvements outside Markham Primary School, investment in Active Travel schemes across the county borough and funding for…

From Monday 23 March, initial works will commence on the brand-new Riverside Plaza Playground. The final design takes inspiration from the nearby Cyfarthfa castle and will cater to children of all ages and abilities, as well as making the playground as accessible as possible to wheelchair users – young and old. Leader of the Council, Cllr Brent Carter said; “I am delighted to announce the successful start of this project. It’s one very close to my heart and something I am thrilled to bring to fruition during my time as Leader. “Not only will it provide a fun, safe space…

159 new affordable homes will be delivered across Wales after the Welsh Government agreed loans totalling £45 million to five Registered Social Landlords (RSLs). The low-interest loans will fund a mix of social rented, intermediate rented and shared ownership homes. All properties will be energy-efficient and meet Welsh Government quality standards. Funding will be paid in two stages: £33.3 million this year and £11.7 million in March 2027. The five successful housing associations are Cardiff Community Housing Association, Codi Properties Limited, Tai Hedyn Limited, Taff Housing Association and Valleys to Coast. Together they will deliver homes across Cardiff, Swansea, Newport,…