‘Transformational for our communities’: South West Wales MPs react to £214m Pride in Place funding

While Labour MPs hailed the investment as “transformational” and a “once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity”, opposition councillors in Bridgend voiced frustration that their county had received far less than neighbouring areas.

Swansea

Torsten Bell, MP for Swansea West, said:

“We have won something rare – a massive, over £20 million, long‑term investment in Swansea. This is our chance for people to get involved in improving our city, from regenerating our city centre to boosting all our high streets.”

Tonia Antoniazzi, MP for Gower, added:

“Local people know their area better than anyone else and that is why the government has decided to do this differently. This is our chance to improve our area by making the big decisions for ourselves.”

Council leader Rob Stewart also welcomed the funding, describing it as “great to see this investment coming to Swansea” and urging that Wales must not be left worse off after Brexit.

Neath Port Talbot

Stephen Kinnock, MP for Aberafan Maesteg, said the £20m for Neath Port Talbot was:

“A once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to invest in our communities. It will be up to all of us to decide how exactly this money is spent – not politicians in London, but local residents, right here in Aberafan Maesteg.”

Carmarthenshire

Dame Nia Griffith, MP for Llanelli, welcomed the £20m for Carmarthenshire, saying:

“This £20 million of new funding will change lives over the next decade and be spent where local people need it most. Local people know their area better than anyone else and that is why the UK Labour Government has decided to do this differently.”

Pembrokeshire

Henry Tuffnell, MP for Mid & South Pembrokeshire, highlighted the £1.5m allocation as:

“A valuable boost for regenerating our local areas, and I’ll be working with Pembrokeshire County Council to make sure that money is used in the best way possible for our community.”

Bridgend

Chris Elmore, MP for Bridgend, announced:

“£3 million from the UK Labour Government for our communities – and you get to help decide how it’s spent. This is a huge opportunity to shape the future of Bridgend and Porthcawl together.”

But the award has drawn criticism locally.

Independent councillor Steven Bletsoe said:

“£3m is very welcome investment into our town centres and that money needs to be wisely spent. But how on earth are we getting eight times less than Aberavon and Maesteg? I simply cannot comprehend this.”

A spokesperson for the Bridgend Independent Group added:

“Of course we welcome an additional £3m but once again Bridgend gets treated less favourably than our neighbours. Maybe our MP should spend less time having photos taken and more time fighting for his constituency.”

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Valleys to Coast unveils plans to transform Bridgend town centre building into new HQ

Valleys to Coast (V2C), which manages more than 6,000 affordable homes across Bridgend and Rhondda Cynon Taf, has acquired Wyndham House as part of a wider strategy to support town centre regeneration. The four-storey building, which fronts onto the town’s historic war memorial, will be refurbished to include office space for over 300 staff, a café-style reception, eight one-bedroom apartments, and a small number of retail units.

The housing association is currently based on Tremains Road but says the move will bring its workforce into the heart of Bridgend, boosting footfall and supporting local businesses. A pre-planning application has been submitted, with detailed proposals expected soon.

Jo Oak, Chief Executive of Valleys to Coast, said: “This isn’t just a new office for us — it’s a space where colleagues, customers and the wider community can connect, collaborate, and feel proud of the town centre once again. The acquisition of Wyndham House plays a key role in our own ambitious growth plans, but also the county’s wider plans to regenerate the town. With community, sustainability and innovation at its heart, this project marks the next exciting step in our mission to help Bridgend and its people thrive.”

She added: “Within the next 18 months, we will have transformed the building, bringing over 300 of our colleagues right into the heart of Bridgend Town Centre and attracting additional footfall from our customers and visitors. Our exciting plans to retain some commercial units and bring residential space into the town will help it thrive once again.”

The majority of Wyndham House is currently unoccupied, though it still houses Bridgend Post Office and several office units. It is not yet clear what the redevelopment will mean for the post office’s future. In February 2025, Bridgend Council passed a motion opposing its proposed closure.

Valleys to Coast says it will consult with existing tenants and local businesses throughout the process. The organisation has committed £6 million of its own funding to the project and will seek additional support through regeneration and social housing grants.

The building, originally constructed on the site of the former Bridgend Town Hall, has long been considered a candidate for redevelopment. Artist impressions released by V2C show a modernised exterior and improved public-facing frontage.

Chris Elmore MP, who represents Bridgend and Porthcawl, welcomed the announcement: “This really is fantastic news for Valleys to Coast and our town centre. Not only will it house their 300-strong workforce, it will also provide commercial units for new businesses to thrive along with residential spaces. Ever since I was elected last year, I have beat the drum for town centre regeneration and I am very much looking forward to working with Valleys to Coast as the project progresses.”

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