Millions pledged to revive Welsh centres — Swansea, Port Talbot, Haverfordwest, Porthcawl and Bridgend among winners

Town and city centres across Wales are in line for a major facelift after the Welsh Government unveiled a £19.6m cash package. The funding, part of the Transforming Towns and Placemaking programmes, will target empty shops, tired public spaces and stalled developments — with South West Wales councils among the biggest winners.

Swansea’s Biophilic Living gets fresh cash

Swansea Council has secured more than £559,000 for the commercial and retail elements of the flagship Biophilic Living scheme, which promises 50 affordable homes alongside shops and offices in a nature‑inspired design.

A further £1.36m is earmarked for the Mowbray Yard redevelopment, creating a new green courtyard space in the heart of the city centre.

Port Talbot facelift for Aberafan Shopping Centre

In Port Talbot, up to £840,000 will fund a redesign of the public realm outside the southern entrance of the Aberafan Shopping Centre, aiming to boost footfall and modernise the tired frontage.

Haverfordwest Wilko site transformed

Pembrokeshire County Council will receive more than £1.27m to redevelop the former Wilko store in Haverfordwest, part of the Western Quayside regeneration. A smaller grant of £100,000 will also support works at 16‑18 Bridge Street.

Porthcawl seafront gets new events space

Bridgend Council has secured £600,000 to create a new events space on the Hillsboro South site in Porthcawl, a key part of the seafront regeneration plans.

Wyndham House overhaul for Bridgend town centre

Bridgend will also benefit from £1.78m to acquire and refurbish Wyndham House, with housing association Valleys to Coast planning to transform the building into its new HQ alongside apartments and commercial units.

Welsh Government hails “heart and soul” of communities

Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government Jayne Bryant said the funding would “breathe new life into our high streets, support local traders, and create the vibrant, welcoming spaces that our communities deserve.”

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

City Centre ‘Biophilic Swansea’ scheme ‘a first for the UK’
Landmark Biophilic Living project promises homes, shops and offices built around nature-inspired design.

New city centre courtyard to honour late council officer Huw Mowbray
Swansea Council begins work on Mowbray Yard, a green courtyard space due for completion in 2026.

Aberavon Shopping Centre regeneration coverage
Updates and stories on Port Talbot’s busiest retail hub, including plans for a public realm facelift.

Haverfordwest ‘Western Quayside’ project gets underway
Bold redevelopment of the former department store site aims to transform the riverside area.

Valleys to Coast unveils plans to transform Bridgend town centre building
Wyndham House set to become housing association HQ alongside apartments and commercial units.

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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.

Artist’s impressions of the Wyndham House development(Image: Valleys to Coast)

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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