Author: Rhys Gregory

Penylan Library is set to welcome residents back today following a major makeover that has transformed the much‑loved community space into a modern, vibrant library for all ages. The comprehensive upgrade has been made possible thanks to grant funding from the Welsh Government and Section 106 contributions, that has delivered improvements throughout the library. The refurbishment includes upgraded public PCs and an expanded non‑fiction offer on the upper floor, as well as a brand‑new community room equipped with the latest technology to support events, activities and community use. Downstairs, visitors will find new furniture, improved lighting, new signage, fresh decoration…

Plans aimed at helping local football club Cardiff Draconians secure additional funding to improve facilities at their home in Lydstep Park are set to be agreed with Cardiff Council. The club are set to take on responsibility for the management and maintenance of facilities and green space in the park where they play. The new lease arrangements are proposed for a 30-year term and would maintain public access while also enabling the club to deliver their long-term “At the Heart of the Community” strategic plan. Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events, Cllr Jennifer Burke, said: “This is good news…

Work is progressing on the transformation of a unique Swansea structure. The Laboratory Building at the historic Hafod Morfa Copperworks site is being reconstructed by John Weaver Contractors in a project driven by Swansea Council. Future uses of the structure, next to Landore’s Penderyn Whisky base, could include it becoming a restaurant for more than 100 diners. It’ll also be suitable for a range of alternative uses. The work is part of the council’s ongoing programme to regenerate the Lower Swansea Valley. It’s being helped by funding from the UK Government’s Local Regeneration Fund. Council leader Rob Stewart said: “We’re saving the…

Businesses in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors in Pembrokeshire who have not yet applied for rate relief have until March 31st to do so. Welsh Government previously announced the retail, leisure and hospitality rates relief scheme in Wales for 2025/26. Properties that can benefit include shops, pubs and restaurants, gyms, performance venues and hotels. Relief will be granted to eligible businesses as a reduction to the rates bill based on occupation between 1st April 2025 to 31st March 2026. The scheme aims to provide support for eligible occupied properties by offering a discount of 40% on non-domestic rates bills. The closing…

The Welsh Government has today launched the first section of a new 80km forest trail – a significant milestone for the National Forest for Wales. The ambitious pilot section, stretching from Porthkerry Park in the Vale of Glamorgan to Pont Walby viaduct near Glynneath will link National Forest sites. People will be able to visit 12 National Forest sites and 24 woodlands in total. People enjoying the trail will never be far from trees, with the trail being under 50 per cent tree canopy cover. The Trail is just under a 24 hour walk in total but, for those wanting…

New research shows that Universal Primary Free School Meals (UPFSM) have removed financial barriers, increased access to school meals and reduced stigma. Introduced in 2022 in response to the cost-of-living crisis, UPFSM aimed to ensure every primary-aged learner could access a free school meal, while also improving nutrition, reducing health inequalities and enhancing educational attainment. An evaluation of the policy found that financial pressures had eased for many families, particularly those previously just above the free school meals threshold, who no longer need to budget for school meals or packed lunches. Schools have welcomed UPFSM for reducing stigma around free…

Young people across Wales will have new opportunities to engage directly with their elected representatives, thanks to a three-year programme funded by the Welsh Government.  The Welsh Government’s Democratic Engagement Grant provides £400,000 annually to support sustained, community-rooted engagement, and strengthen long-term democratic participation. Since its launch in February 2023, it has supported 30 organisations delivering 42 projects across Wales. One of these organisations, The Politics Project, has recently been awarded £357,060 across three financial years, to deliver several different activities to connect young people with the politicians that represent them. Its flagship Digital Dialogue programme facilitates conversations between school…

Newport has become the third local authority in Wales to offer free childcare to all two-year-olds as Flying Start celebrates 20 years of supporting families and children. From April, all parents and carers of children aged two in Newport will be eligible for up to 12.5 hours of free, high-quality childcare each week — regardless of where in the city they live. Newport is the first local authority in south-east Wales to reach this milestone, following Merthyr Tydfil and Swansea. Flying Start is an early years programme launched in 2006 and targeted at some of the most disadvantaged communities in…

In 2026, investors and entrepreneurs continue to assess expansion strategies amid changing global economic patterns. As a result, businesses seek stable locations that can help them grow and relocate. Wales has emerged as a compelling destination for foreign direct investment from investors and entrepreneurs. It has steadily positioned itself as a competitive destination within the United Kingdom. Wales offers access to the UK market, targeted government support, and a business-friendly operating environment. If you are an investor or an entrepreneur seeking long-term European market stability while controlling your company, you can relocate your business operations to Wales. The country offers…

Esports Arenas Choose Hertz Over Pixels Walk past an electronics store and the pitch is always the same: 4K, 8K, cinematic colour, bigger numbers on the box. It’s built for movies, couch viewing, and slow-moving frames. Step into a competitive arena and the priorities flip instantly. At events like Intel Extreme Masters or local tournaments inside Fortress Melbourne, the screens in front of players tell a different story. On stage, nobody’s running 4K. The monitors are 1080p, sometimes even stretched, with refresh rates stamped boldly on the back: 360Hz, 500Hz. That choice looks strange until the reason becomes obvious. In…