Flintshire to receive share of funding aimed at revitalising town centres

Flintshire is to receive a share of funding aimed at revitalising town centres across Wales.

The Welsh Government’s Town Centre Loans programme provides funding to local authorities to support landlords to redevelop empty and under-utilised properties.

Under this round of funding, local authorities can act directly and use their share of the £18.4m to step in to buy and redevelop properties to support the diversification of our town centres by encouraging more sustainable uses for empty sites and premises, such as residential, leisure and for key services.

Once the Town Centre Loan is repaid, the money will be recycled to fund new loans, bring empty and derelict sites back into use, help businesses to grow and prosper, and support activities to increase footfall on our high streets.

Flintshire has been allocated £750,000 as parts of the scheme.

Andy Farrow, Flintshire council Chief Officer, Planning, Environment and Economy said;

“The Council will be using this funding from Welsh Government to support investment in properties on the High Streets of Flintshire.”

“Specific properties have not been identified at this stage.”

“This will be part of the Council’s wider programme to help town centres to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Minister for Economy and Transport, Ken Skates said: “Supporting our businesses and town centres is a key part of our Economic Resilience and Reconstruction Mission as we aim to rebuild the Welsh economy so that it’s more prosperous, equal and green than ever before.”

“We have all seen the importance of digital during the pandemic, in how we connect with each other, purchase goods and access service.”

“Embracing technology is going to crucial to the future success of businesses and I’m delighted our town centre funding will help towns and businesses do just that.”