Minister visits Newtown to see funded projects

Newtown took the center stage during a recent visit by Rebecca Evans MS, Minister for Finance and Local Government.

The purpose of her visit was to witness firsthand the positive impact of Welsh Government funding on various projects in and around Newtown. Powys County Council, the driving force behind these initiatives, organised the visit, which took place on Monday July 3.

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Accompanied by Cabinet Members and council officers, the Minister embarked on a tour that included several notable locations. The first stop was Abermule Business Park, where she explored the newly constructed bulking facility designed to bolster the council's recycling services, ensuring sustainability and efficiency.

Continuing her tour, the Minister visited one of the units within the business park, occupied by Custom Marine Developments, a company specializing in crafting high-quality, bespoke products for the superyacht tender market. The development of these business units, partially supported by Welsh Government funding, not only fostered new business opportunities but also helped retain valuable work within the area.

Next on the itinerary were several projects in Newtown that have significantly benefited from Welsh Government funding. The Minister witnessed the improvements in active travel infrastructure, the ongoing town center enhancement works on High Street, and the impressive Y Lawnt housing development. The visit culminated outside the Hafan yr Afon community and visitor center.

The penultimate stop on the tour was Newtown Library, where staff proudly showcased the services available to residents. Grant funding has facilitated on-site ICT enhancements, enriching the user experience and enabling the library to better serve its visitors.

The grand finale of the Minister's visit was the new school build for Ysgol Cedewain. Welsh Government funding played a pivotal role in this project, which aims to replace the inadequate facilities at the current Ysgol Cedewain school. The new structure will include state-of-the-art amenities catering to vulnerable learners, such as a hydrotherapy pool, sensory and physiotherapy rooms, a garden, and even a community café.

Rebecca Evans MS said:

"It is always good to see how Welsh Government funding is changing and improving our towns and local areas, and their facilities. The Abermule Business Park and Hafan yr Afon community centre are very different places, yet both are equally positive examples of where good investment can help an area thrive.

"Partnership working is integral to regeneration and growth, and Powys County Council's recent developments are a great example of valuable change, now and for the future."

Cllr James Gibson-Watt, Leader of Powys County Council, said:

"We're delighted that we were able to show the Local Government and Finance Minister a number of projects that have taken place in and around Newtown thanks to funding from the Welsh Government.

"We would like to thank her for taking the time to come to Powys to see how these projects are improving the way we deliver public services."