Thousands of square metres of outdoor space have been enhanced across Flintshire, hundreds of people have secured new qualifications, and numerous companies have taken key steps to reduce their carbon footprint.
From installing a new 140-metre timber boardwalk at Talacre and launching new community groups to empowering businesses to implement low carbon infrastructure, 18 projects have delivered positive outcomes across the county.
Backed by the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and building on the success of the 2022/25 programme, the funding focused support on three areas across 2025/26: communities and place, support for business, and people and skills.
Flintshire County Council’s Town Centre Investment Programme utilised the UKSPF to improve commercial properties, with funding also allocated to better outdoor facilities at Greenfield Valley Heritage Park, part of nearly 4,000sqm of upgrades to natural environments across the county.
Similarly, Ysgol Treffynnon welcomed five new large-scale planters, two wooden cold frames, a range of flora, and the removal of five sunken tree pits to boost site safety.
The Holywell school’s business manager Gemma Boniface said: “Without the support from the UKSPF and Flintshire County Council, it wouldn’t have been financially feasible for us to have introduced the changes that have taken place, so we’re very grateful for the help we’ve received.”
One project that aimed to strengthen community wellbeing and pride was Actif North Wales’ Active Healthy Happy scheme, which created a new darts club in Shotton and delivered an exercise programme in Buckley to encourage people aged 60 and over to become more active and form new relationships.
Darts club attendee and St Ethelwolds Church Primary School pupil Ruby Jones, 8, said: “I like to come to the darts club as it’s fun and I like to meet new people. I have made some friends already.”
UKSPF data also highlights that 646 people have gained a qualification or completed a course, 726 volunteering options have been created, and 283 residents are currently in education or training.
Indeed, the Strength in Numbers scheme saw more than 100 pupils and parents engage in a series of demystifying AI workshops, with 98 per cent of participants reporting increased confidence in using the technology.
Strength in Numbers project coordinator Claire Worrall said: “It’s been fantastic to see our project delivery partner Sniff and Snails help enhance digital skills in Flintshire through its creative workshops.”
Other programmes backed by the UKSPF that have upskilled youngsters and adults include Flintshire County Council’s LEAP (Learn, Explore, Achieve, Perform) project and WeMindTheGap’s WeGrow employability scheme.
WeMindTheGap Flintshire community maker Laura Columbine said: “The UKSPF funding has been crucial in allowing us to continue offering pathways into employment for young people who are struggling to secure work or unsure what their next steps could be.”
Businesses have also been equipped to achieve their goals, with 39 organisations adopting new technologies or processes and 12 pieces of low or zero-carbon energy infrastructure installed, whilst 16 jobs have been safeguarded.
Councillor Chris Dolphin, cabinet member for environment, regeneration, countryside, and tourism said: “It’s fantastic to see the positive impact the transition year UKSPF funding has had across the county, from improving communal spaces to equipping businesses with decarbonising technologies.
“Looking ahead, I’m hopeful Flintshire will see the long-term benefits of the support received as people continue to build upon the skills gained, enjoy local amenities, and utilise relevant equipment and processes to thrive in business.”
Flintshire County Council was allocated £4.3m for 2025/26 from the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund to continue the success of the scheme that initially ran between 2022-25.
