A £4m investment to create job opportunities and thriving local businesses by revitalising town centres in North East Wales has received the green light, Deputy Minister for European Programmes, Alun Davies, has announced.
The funding boost will mean that Flintshire and Wrexham Councils regeneration plans for their towns will be stepped up to improve the appearance of the town centres including Buckley, Connah’s Quay, Flint, Holywell, Mold, Queensferry, Saltney, and Shotton as well as enhancing other public spaces.
The scheme is backed with £3 million from the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government. Further funding will come from the local authorities.
Mr Davies said,
“Revitalising town centres in Flintshire and Wrexham will bring renewed opportunities for individuals and business as more investment is attracted to the area. This is another example of how EU funding is having a positive impact on communities, increasing employment opportunities and fostering a greater sense of entrepreneurship.”
In Flintshire, the funding will be used as part of its wider Town Action Plan programme to invest in the county’s town centres, improving their visual appeal and encouraging private sector investment. In Wrexham, the King Street area will receive a makeover to complement the modern bus station already in place.
Cllr. Rodney Skelland, Lead Member for Regeneration and Corporate Governance at Wrexham County Borough Council said,
“We are delighted that we have secured EU funding through the Welsh Government. At a time of funding pressures, it is an even more significant result. The street improvements near the bus station will enhance an area that is the first image of Wrexham for many visitors.”
Cllr. Matt Wright, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Tourism at Flintshire County Council, said,
“This is a further exciting boost for our county. The announcement comes after a joint bid by Flintshire and Wrexham to assist our town centres. The support from the European Regional Development Fund will add further vital funds to our award-winning Town Centre Partnership approach assisting plans in Flint, Mold, Holywell, Buckley and other towns.
“With the difficult times facing town centres, highlighted in the recent reports from Mary Portas and the Welsh Government Enterprise and Business Committee, this support to improve the physical environment and encourage investment is an excellent step forward.”