Nine neighbourhoods across Wales are set for a major transformation after being selected to receive a share of £180 million in UK Government funding aimed at
revitalising local communities and restoring pride in place.
Each area could receive up to £20 million over the next decade under the Pride in Place Programme, a long-term regeneration scheme announced last September. The programme focuses on communities that stand to benefit most from targeted investment, with funding designed to support locally driven projects that improve everyday life.
The UK Government confirmed on 5 February which neighbourhoods will benefit, marking the first time the specific communities within the nine local authorities have been publicly named.
The funding is intended to give residents real influence over how their areas are improved — from tackling graffiti and anti-social behaviour to protecting valued community buildings and enhancing public spaces.
Alongside the Pride in Place funding, all Welsh local authorities will also receive a share of £34.5 million in capital funding to improve public amenities. This additional investment will support practical upgrades such as repairing bus shelters, reopening park toilets, installing more litter bins and refurbishing ageing leisure centres.
Neighbourhoods set to receive up to £20 million each
Blaenau Gwent: Sirhowy Valley
Caerphilly: Bargoed, Aberbargoed and New Tredegar
Cardiff: Ely and Caerau
Carmarthenshire: Llanelli
Conwy: Llandudno
Neath Port Talbot: Upper Afan Valley
Newport: Newport city centre
Rhondda Cynon Taf: Rhondda Fach
Swansea: High Street and Dyfatty
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: “We are directly backing our communities with this significant investment. People living in these areas are in control of this funding and now have the support to make them even better places to live and work.
The UK Government focused on delivering jobs, prosperity and growth and the Pride in Place programme is a key part of us doing that. Working in partnership with Welsh Government we’re investing directly in Welsh communities to build stronger, thriving neighbourhoods”.
Councillor John Morgan, Cabinet Member for Economy & Place at Blaenau Gwent Council said: “This is fantastic news for the Sirhowy Valley. The funding will make a real difference to our communities and fits in with our wider regeneration plans for the area.
The Blaenau Gwent Deal, our new way of working with communities, means we are listening to local people and businesses about their needs, so having a Neighbourhood Board involved in making decisions fully supports this”.
Conwy Council Leader Julie Fallon said: “I am delighted that the UK Government has agreed Tudno and Mostyn wards in Llandudno will receive Pride in Place funding. This investment will make a lasting difference in this community, which is amongst some of the most deprived neighbourhoods in the country.
It will help to improve the places people live and work, and create new opportunities for residents who deserve to see meaningful change”.
What happens next
Neighbourhood Boards — made up of local residents, businesses and community representatives — will be set up in each area to decide how the money is spent. Funding is expected to begin from April 2026.
Potential projects include regenerating high streets and town centres, preserving local heritage, building housing, creating jobs, improving transport links, boosting skills and education, enhancing health and wellbeing, and making communities safer.
The Pride in Place Programme represents one of the most significant long-term investments in Welsh neighbourhoods in recent years, with communities themselves shaping how the funding delivers change on the ground.