Exciting plans are underway in Bridgend as the local council outlines how they’ll use a whopping £3 million from the UK Government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund! This funding is set to make a big difference, focusing on revamping town centres and enriching wider communities. Here’s the scoop on how the money will be put to use:
1. **Town Centre Transformation**: Strategic investment aims to breathe new life into high streets through property upgrades, asset improvements, and regeneration projects. Plus, there’s potential for improvements to green spaces and the environment, adding a splash of freshness to urban areas.
2. **Community Boost**: The Community Infrastructure Fund will support projects ranging from £25,000 to £300,000. There’s also a smaller grant programme allocating £100,000 for community orgs with projects up to £25,000 each. This is all about empowering local initiatives and sparking community spirit!
The council is racing against time to ensure this cash is effectively utilised by March 2027, otherwise, unspent funds must be returned! They’re prioritising projects that promise immediate and widespread impact, knowing they’ve only got about 18 months to make it happen.
Meanwhile, not far away, Neath Port Talbot received a hefty £20 million to be used over ten years, hinting at how funding approaches can vary significantly.
Stay tuned for more updates as Bridgend moves forward with these transformative projects. Your thoughts? Are these changes what the area needs? Drop your comments below! 🏙️🌳