Author: Rhys Gregory

PLAID CYMRU leader Rhun ap Iorwerth MS visited Coleg Cambria Llysfasi this week to see first-hand the impact of major multi-million pound investment in agricultural education and rural skills. He was joined at the land-based campus by Llyr Gruffydd MS, Plaid Cymru spokesperson for Rural Affairs. The visit showcased the college’s £10 million Hwb Arloesi (Innovation Hub), a state-of-the-art agricultural centre supporting innovation, sustainability and skills development across the sector. Building on this investment, work is also underway on a new 50-bedroom student accommodation block, to be delivered by Read Construction. Designed by TACP Architects, the scheme will provide high-quality,…

Swansea Council and the Ospreys have agreed a pioneering new model that will transform rugby in the city from the grassroots game through to the elite level. The council’s Cabinet this week approved a joint investment to revitalise the historic St Helen’s ground, creating a dual home for professional rugby and one of Wales’s most accessible and inclusive community rugby hubs. It is believed to be the first agreement of its kind in the UK, with a local authority and a professional rugby team joining forces to invest in the sport at every level. Under the partnership, the council will…

A stunning makeover for Swansea city centre’s much-loved outdoor amphitheatre has been completed and is all set for the summer. The new big-top style canopy has been completed with new flooring and upgraded seating areas to add to improvements to the steps, new handrails and a mains power supply that will mean a return to a programme of shows being staged more often at the venue opposite the LC. The sail-shaped canopy, created by local company – Gower Sail Shades, will provide shelter to performers, members of the audience and lighting systems while also providing everyone with an outdoor music…

Neath Port Talbot Council has outlined its Capital Strategy and Capital Programme for 2026/27 to 2028/29, setting out how it invests in essential services, local infrastructure, and long-term regeneration across the county borough. The programme was approved by Council to provide high-quality public services through prudent financial planning and targeted capital investment. It provides the framework through which Neath Port Talbot will maintain and improve buildings, support major regeneration projects, and ensure that essential assets remain fit for purpose.  For communities across Neath Port Talbot, the major investment initiatives include: Employment & Business Start Up Space – additional workshops being…

Part of a major road in Newport will be closed this weekend as resurfacing work continues. Newport City Council has confirmed the next phase of improvement works on Malpas Road will take place from Saturday, March 28. Weekend road closure The work will involve resurfacing both sides of the road between the M4 Junction 26 roundabout and the northernmost entrance to Goodrich Crescent, opposite the Lyceum Tavern. Closures will be in place from 10.30pm on Saturday through to 5.30am on Monday, March 30, meaning the road will be shut on Sunday, March 29. A provisional extra shift has also been…

Powys County Council has approved a new digital strategy aimed at delivering faster, simpler and more sustainable public services for residents. The Digital Strategy 2026–2030 sets out how the council will modernise services over the next four years, building on previous progress while responding to rapid changes in technology and the needs of local communities. The updated plan focuses on creating a more connected and accessible service, aligned with the council’s ambition to deliver a stronger, fairer and greener Powys. Cllr Raiff Devlin, Cabinet Member for Customers, Digital and Community Services, said: “Digital is central to how we deliver modern,…

Over £3m has been invested to help modernise the National Library of Wales, protecting historic collections, improving visitor spaces, boosting digital access and helping the Library reach net zero by 2030. The largest share of the investment – nearly £1.5m – has improved the bookstacks where collections of national significance are stored, securing safe, long-term preservation for millions of historic items telling the story of Wales. Over £500k has transformed the Library’s public spaces. Visitors will benefit from a more welcoming entrance, new exhibition spaces and a refreshed children’s play area making the library more inclusive and family friendly. A…

The Welsh Government is investing up to £9.25 million to purchase and upgrade an industrial unit at the Heads of the Valleys, in a bid to attract high-quality manufacturing businesses and create new jobs in one of Wales’ most deprived areas. Having recently completed the purchase of Unit 1 on Hirwaun Industrial Estate, a comprehensive refurbishment will now take place to bring a high-quality manufacturing facility to the market. The project will meet the needs of a range of potential commercial occupiers, and deliver an economic boost to the Heads of the Valleys, alongside highly-skilled, well-paid jobs. The area has…

Road closures and travel advice have been issued ahead of a major rugby event in Cardiff this weekend. A double header fixture between Bristol Bears and Harlequins will take place at the Principality Stadium on Saturday, March 28, with the women’s match kicking off at 3.30pm. Cardiff Council has confirmed that road closures will be in place between 11am and 8pm, with some restrictions starting earlier in the day. Road closures across city centre From 7am, Scott Road and Park Street will close to allow for event preparations. A full city centre road closure will then be introduced from 11am,…

A £12.43 million package to expand skills across Flintshire and Wrexham has been approved, paving the way for major growth in advanced manufacturing and digital capability across the region. The funding will deliver the Investment Zone Skills Strategy, supporting a coordinated effort to tackle skills shortages, increase access to high‑value careers and strengthen links between employers and training providers. Led by the North Wales Regional Skills Partnership (RSP), and delivered in collaboration with local education authorities, Coleg Cambria and Wrexham University, the investment will fund a series of projects across apprenticeships, degrees and employer‑designed training. The programme aims to strengthen the…