All 18 of Powys’ towns are to benefit from an equal share of a £1.5 million investment aimed at improving local spaces, revitalising high streets and strengthening communities.
Powys County Council has received the funding through the UK Government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund, which supports short-term projects to improve public and community spaces. As part of the agreed approach, each town council will receive £83,000 to deliver locally-led improvements.
The funding will help deliver a range of projects across three key themes:
- Community spaces – improving or refurbishing facilities and helping community organisations make better use of valued local assets
- Public spaces – enhancing the physical environment through green spaces, play areas, public art, and improved amenities
- High streets and town centres – making them more attractive and vibrant, including shopfront improvements, bringing empty premises back into use, and supporting markets
Cabinet agreed not to keep the money for the county council to spend and instead offer an equal share to all 18 town councils in Powys. They were invited to submit proposals aligned with their town or place plans, with applications received from every area.
The allocation, which must be spent by the end of March 2027, is entirely capital funding and will support projects that deliver visible, lasting improvements.
Councillor Glyn Preston, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, said: “This funding represents a fantastic opportunity for every town in Powys to invest in projects that will make a real difference to people’s day-to-day lives.
“By allocating an equal share to each of our 18 towns, we are ensuring that communities right across the county can benefit – whether that’s through improvements to public spaces, support for local facilities, or breathing new life into our high streets.
“What’s particularly encouraging is that all town councils have come forward with proposals that reflect their local priorities. This is about communities shaping their own future and taking pride in the places they live, work and visit.”
The town councils receiving the funding are Brecon, Builth Wells, Crickhowell, Hay, Knighton, Llandrindod Wells, Llanfair Caereinion, Llanfyllin, Llanidloes, Llanwrtyd Wells, Machynlleth, Montgomery, Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn, Presteigne and Norton, Rhayader, Talgarth, Welshpool, and Ystradgynlais.
