More than £21m is set to support a range of community projects in Bridgend County Borough following a successful application to the Shared Prosperity Fund.
The money has been allocated towards specific initiatives and includes schemes that range from the Great Glamorgan Way – a 270km network of ‘green corridors’ which will connect communities throughout the region – to funding for new tourism events, projects designed to improve adult literacy, a new local enterprise support programme and more.
Around £8m of the funding will be used to establish a range of initiatives that will enable people to learn new skills, gain new qualifications and abilities, and ultimately find long term permanent work.
More than £3.5m will be used to set up new centres of enterprise across the county borough, while just over £1m will support health, climate and economical projects to help develop stronger and more resilient local communities.
A further £2m will be used for community capacity projects such as establishing a new third sector fund and extending grants in support of commercial properties beyond local town centres.
Welcoming news that the funding has been approved, Councillor Neelo Farr, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “This is excellent news, and the £21m will be used to fund projects that deliver a wide range of positive outcomes for local people across all of the county borough, especially within our valley communities.
“Designed to replace European structural funds, the Shared Prosperity Fund is intended to support projects which boost productivity, pay, jobs and living standards, and to encourage the private sector to grow and create opportunities.
“It seeks to support projects which instill a sense of community, local pride and belonging, improve public services, and empower local leaders and communities.
“Opportunities to access the funding, which will be in place until March 2025, will be announced soon.”
