Regeneration is central to tackling poverty and encouraging economic growth, says Minister at national summit

Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, Lesley Griffiths, will speak of the central role regeneration plays in tackling poverty at a national summit later today.

Swansea’s Liberty Stadium, which is itself the focal point of a successful, vibrant regeneration area, will play host to the Welsh Government’s second Regeneration Summit. The summit is being organised in collaboration with Crew Regeneration Wales.

Addressing her first key regeneration conference since taking up her new portfolio, the Minister will outline the importance she places on regeneration and the impact it has on tackling poverty in our communities, as well her commitment to supporting Welsh town and city centres.

Speaking ahead of the event, Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, Lesley Griffiths said:

“Make no mistake about it, regeneration is central to my work and supports our key aim of tackling poverty in Wales.

“By helping to regenerate towns and cities we create much needed housing, encourage more shoppers to visit our high streets and bring local jobs back into the heart of our communities. This is critical to supporting people across the country, providing them with the opportunities they need to improve their lives.

“It is particularly fitting we are holding our summit in Swansea this year, as the city has benefitted greatly from our regeneration programme. Since 2009 we have provided over £16million and along with European funding, over 30 regeneration projects have been achieved. Swansea is set to receive another £8 million through our Vibrant and Viable places programme to fund further improvements to the city centre.

“The city is just one example of how our regeneration programmes are delivering real change for people in our communities by creating jobs, homes and training opportunities across the length and breadth of Wales.”

Through the Vibrant and Viable places programme the Welsh Government is investing £102 million over the next three years to support 11 local authorities, including Swansea, to regenerate town centres and high streets. This is alongside an additional £7 million for projects which directly tackle poverty in Wales’ most deprived town centres and a £5 million recyclable loan scheme to support town centre regeneration.

As well as these major regeneration investments, the Welsh Government’s Business Improvement Districts programme is helping to develop town and city centres. Swansea is one of our newest BIDs and the Welsh Government is working with the city to boost the regeneration and economic development from the town.

Nia Griffiths, Director of Crew Regeneration Wales added:

“Tackling issues of poverty, urban decay and social inclusion has been a top priority in Wales for some time, with successes being evidenced in many communities throughout Wales. This Summit is a real opportunity to celebrate the continued support and commitment to regenerating town centres, which have suffered greatly from shifting economic patterns and the migration of young people to the larger conurbations outside of Wales.”