Author: Rhys Gregory

Shoppers have helped select a striking new design for Swansea Market’s external entrances. Market traders and other key stakeholders were asked for their views as Swansea Council held a public consultation. All thoughts helped finalise plans as the Oxford Street, Union Street and Whitewalls entrances are refreshed and modernised this year. The copper-coloured design reflects Swansea’s industrial heritage; its semi-circular shape hints at the market’s logo and huge domed roof. Words used by voters to describe the design included: Inviting, majestic, striking, sleek, elegant, clean and modern. Those commenting liked that it included the words Swansea and Abertawe – making…

Works undertaken by Pembrokeshire County Council to restore and redevelop Haverfordwest Castle are now well underway as part of the £17.7m UK Government funded project to breathe new life into Haverfordwest. The iconic site of Haverfordwest Castle, is now ready for the next stage of development towards transforming it into a fantastic new visitor attraction for the town and wider county. Over the last six months the walls of this Scheduled Ancient Monument have been painstakingly repaired by specialist heritage building conservationists, iBEX. Archaeological excavations have been undertaken by Heneb (The Trust for Welsh Archaeology), the inner bailey has been…

This week, communities across Cwm Taf Morgannwg are coming together in a powerful show of support for people living with dementia and their families. Over 35 events are taking place to raise awareness, promote understanding, and champion dementia-friendly initiatives. Running from May 19th to 25th, the week-long programme spans Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil, and Rhondda Cynon Taf, offering a vibrant mix of activities aimed at educating the public, challenging stigma, and fostering connection. A highlight of the week is ‘Turning Ponty Blue’, a five-day campaign in Pontypridd, created in partnership with RCT Council and the Dementia Friendly Pontypridd Steering Group. The event features craft workshops, pop-up information stands,…

New Priorities for Culture have launched today [Tuesday 20] with a focus on opportunities for all, regardless of age or background. These new priorities are being backed by a £15m investment package to support their implementation across Wales. Making the announcement, the Minister for Culture Jack Sargeant confirmed the funding – from the recent Final Budget – will be divided into two major streams: £8m for an arts sector strategic capital investment programme via the Arts Council of Wales £7m capital and revenue funding for museums, archives, libraries, arts and the historic environment The Minister said: “I am pleased to…

Since 2014, every local authority in Wales has benefitted from a huge investment in new school and college buildings, with £3.6bn invested in over 330 projects. The sustainable communities for learning programme provides modern, fit for purpose buildings, designed to educate the digital generation. On a visit to Ysgol Llyn y Forwyn, the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, met learners and staff at their brand-new school, based at the former Chubb Factory site in Ferndale, Rhondda Cynon Taf. The new primary school, which opened earlier this year, benefits from a 30-place Cylch Meithrin nursery, a multi-use games area, a…

The food that can be served in schools is changing so that every child in Wales has access to a balanced diet in school. A consultation has launched seeking views on the proposals which will see primary school menus increase fruit and vegetables, helping more Welsh children get their five-a-day, and limit sugary desserts, and fried foods, in line with UK dietary guidelines. The new proposals will ensure children are offered nutritionally balanced school food and drink, and that healthy eating is promoted in schools with the aim of improving health, wellbeing and attainment.   The evidence shows that, on average,…

The Welsh Government has this week introduced a bold and ambitious Bill which aims to transform our response to homelessness. The Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Bill will fundamentally change our homelessness system, so it is focused on prevention and providing more tools to support people into longer-term homes. The Bill focuses on a multi-agency response to homelessness, bringing public services together to respond to the varied causes and consequences of homelessness. It is rooted in evidence and the lived experience of those who have been homeless and is a vital step towards achieving our long-term ambition of ending…

If you’re anything like us, you love the idea of a weekend escape that doesn’t involve airports, passports, or hours stuck in traffic. So when we were invited by the lovely team at Oxwich Bay Hotel to try out their new stays, we jumped at the chance. Tucked away on the stunning Gower Peninsula, just a short drive from Cardiff, and it genuinely felt like we’d struck gold. A Holiday Home by the Sea We stayed in one of the family caravans at Beach Walk Parc, which turned out to be the perfect base for our little break. And when…

Around 140 jobs will be created in North Wales after Knauf Insulation unveiled plans to invest £170 million in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Shotton. The landmark development will produce more than 100,000 tonnes of non-combustible rock mineral wool insulation per year and create approximately 140 direct jobs, with more in local supply chains. The announcement coincides with the UK-EU Summit taking place today (Monday 19 May) underscoring the UK Government’s commitment to fostering economic growth through its Plan for Change and attracting inward investment to strengthen the economy. Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: “This £170 million…

From Friday 23 May, Dyffryn Gardens near Cardiff will host Helios, a breathtaking seven-metre artwork of the sun by renowned artist, Luke Jerram. The immersive installation combines detailed solar imagery, glowing light, and a NASA-inspired soundscape and offers a surreal opportunity to experience the sun, up close. Dyffryn Gardens, cared for by National Trust Cymru, is the only location in Wales where visitors will be able to see Helios during its UK-wide tour. Visitors will be able to experience Helios outdoors on the South Lawn at Dyffryn Gardens from Friday 23 to Monday 26 May and Thursday 29 May to…