Author: Rhys Gregory

wo properties are currently being re-developed in the Town Centre with help from Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Programme. Highfield Property Group, a Merthyr Tydfil based developer is undertaking work on 120 & 121 High Street as well as 143B High Street. The previously empty properties at 120 & 121 High Street have been combined to create a development opportunity that maximizes potential. By merging the two addresses, the developer will be able to offer a larger and more versatile space for a future tenant. Following the renovations, the ground floor and the cellar will be transformed into a welcoming bar…

On Anti-Slavery Day (Friday 18 October), Social Justice Secretary Jane Hutt has reaffirmed the Welsh Government’s commitment to working in partnership to overcome the immense challenges of modern slavery. Last year, First Responder organisations in Wales identified and referred over 500 people for support, all as potential victims of modern slavery. Children and adults were subjected to criminal, labour, and sexual exploitation, and domestic servitude. Some were trafficked from other towns and cities in Wales and the UK, and some were trafficked from other parts of the world. This week, the Anti-Slavery Wales conference was held at Aberystwyth University where…

County Flats is Tai Tarian’s most ambitious development to date and will see the transformation of 72 existing flats as well as the creation of 55 new homes.  The Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, recently visited the site in Port Talbot: “County Flats is really something special and I’d like to see more ambitious developments like this delivering good quality, low carbon housing and creating more opportunities for families and individuals. “It’s a fantastic example of how we’re supporting the decarbonisation of homes across Wales by not only building new homes but upgrading existing housing stock.”…

The number of Men’s Sheds providing social support, camaraderie and the chance to share and learn skills for men and women across Swansea has more than doubled in recent years. Swansea Council has invested more than £100k in supporting new and existing groups and this year, 22 Men’s Sheds in the network successfully applied for funding. Four years ago the number of sheds in Swansea was in single figures. Among those to launch this year is the Llansamlet Men’s Shed. The group has taken over the former OAP Pavilion in Birchgrove at a peppercorn lease from the council and has…

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating all the steps involved. One of the key tasks is finding the right surveyor. Whether you’re purchasing a cosy flat in the city or a semi-detached house in the suburbs, a good surveyor can be the difference between a smooth purchase and potential headaches down the line. But with so many surveyors out there, how do you know you’re choosing the right one? Know the type of survey you need Before you even start searching for a surveyor, it’s important…

A seal pup found dehydrated, skinny and with a puncture wound at the Cleddau Estuary, Milford Haven, has been rescued by the RSPCA. He was found on 8 October in the Castle Pill area at an inlet of water and was visibly unwell. RSPCA Inspector Keith Hogben and RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer and Wildlife Officer Ellie West were called, and were able to safely catch him and take him away for examination. Ellie said: “This small, thin grey moulted pup, was clearly unwell and emaciated. Once assessed we tube fed him fluids and he perked up a little. “He is…

More than 50 businesses and organisations are already booked to exhibit at a major Green Economy Event in Swansea Arena on Tuesday 19th November.   Business leaders say South West Wales is poised to become a green economy hub for the UK thanks to key regional developments, including a new Green Economy Centre of Excellence and major offshore wind developments in the Celtic Sea. A campaign is underway to ensure that all regional businesses are taking advantage of opportunities for sustainable growth, whilst taking steps to decarbonise their activities and embrace “circular economy” principles.   The Green Economy Conference &…

Cardiff and Vale College has held a special graduation ceremony to celebrate the achievements of its Higher Education students. Every year, thousands of learners come to CAVC to gain the skills and qualifications they need to progress in their chosen career paths. Many of them take the College’s unique range of career-focused degree or degree-level courses to immerse themselves in subjects they feel passionate about to gain the skills and qualifications to help them change or progress their future careers. One such learner graduating this year was Arwel Thomas who gained his Professional Graduate Certificate in Post Compulsory Education and…

Charity store Ethical Boutique is extending its stay at St David’s Cardiff after celebrating its first year at the city shopping destination. Selling pre-loved clothing, the sustainable store is run by Cardiff charity The SAFE Foundation with all proceeds supporting deprived families and communities around the world. Originally opening at St David’s for a one-year stint last summer, the Ethical Boutique store will now stay until 2025 with support from the centre’s owners Landsec as well as launching a new speciality coffee stand with a community purpose. Previously, Ethical Boutique had a small mobile coffee unit where it offered behind…

Work is soon starting to shape initial proposals for improved skateboarding and wheel sports facilities throughout Swansea. It’s part of a Swansea Council commitment to invest more than £2m in many of these facilities by working in close partnership with local communities and a specialist company called Curve Studio. Early designs for Victoria Park will be the first available for feedback, with a workshop soon being held to further explore whether an ambitious street plaza-style facility would work at the current location of the skate ramp there. All other areas of Victoria Park would be unaffected by the proposal. Taking…