Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen councils have this week set out an ambitious shared plan for long‑term, sustainable growth and regeneration. The new ‘Blueprint for Growth’ was scrutinised by the Economic Development and Environmental Management Scrutiny Committee, who welcomed the vision and the plans to involve real people in the transformation of their communities.
‘Thriving Together – Tech Valleys Growth Corridor’, is a joint vision to create a more prosperous region for residents, communities and businesses by 2035, focusing on three overarching themes:
- Infrastructure and Investment
- Business and Employment Growth
- People and Skills
In Blaenau Gwent, this is already being boosted by external funding including the Local Growth Fund, the £20million Pride in Place Neighbourhood Fund for the Sirhowy Valley, and the £1.5million Pride in Place Impact Fund – all of which will help bring forward projects, and support communities to build thriving places.
Local people will be fully involved in the plans, inspired by the Council’s new way of working with communities through the Blaenau Gwent Deal. In fact, Pride in Place funding will be allocated through a new Neighbourhood Board, made up of residents and partners, which will decide how the money is spent over the 10-year period, empowering communities to think about what they want to see. The Impact Fund will be spread around the borough, used to improve community spaces, children’s play areas and high streets in Nantyglo, Blaina and Brynmawr.
When it comes to town centres, each will have its Placemaking Plan, which will be subject to consultation with local people and key stakeholders.
The Blueprint fully supports the Council’s priorities as a Marmot Council and its Mission to ‘Drive sustainable economic growth and create vibrant, well-connected communities where people and businesses can thrive.’ All of this is designed to reduce inequalities within communities. It also responds directly to residents’ priorities and the principles agreed at the recent Citizens Assembly on The Deal, which called for thriving town centres, more local employment and training opportunities and a role in shaping the places where they live.
The Blueprint sets out 14 joint workstreams covering transport connectivity, strategic sites, business support, inward investment, skills, employability, placemaking, town centres and housing.
Councillor John Morgan, Cabinet Member for Economy & Place at Blaenau Gwent Council said:
“This Blueprint sets out a clear and ambitious vision for the future of our communities — and now, with some funding secured, we can start to make real progress. This is a major step forward in creating a more prosperous, connected and confident Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen.”
“The combined impact of the Blueprint and the new funding programmes is transformative, and I am excited about the ambition and direction of travel. By bringing together strategic planning, community‑led investment and a strong pipeline of deliverable projects, we are building the foundations for long‑term economic success and a fairer future for our residents. And the best thing is, we’re putting people at the very heart of this, making sure their voices are heard”
Consultation and engagement on the Blueprint will take place over the coming months, and an annual delivery plan will be developed.
See the Blueprint here: [Blueprint for Growth | PDF]