6. Statement by the Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government: Supporting our Town Centres

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:25 pm on 28 January 2020.

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Photo of Vikki Howells Vikki Howells Labour 6:25, 28 January 2020

Thank you, Deputy Minister, for your statement here today. I've got three quick questions for you. Firstly, around your comments on the town-centre-first principle, in my constituency, in the Cynon Valley, I've seen some really positive examples, where the council has enhanced the public service offers available in our town centres. And I agree with your estimate of the benefits of doing this. As you mentioned, locating the Transport for Wales headquarters in Pontypridd is a great example of this principle in action. What I'd like to know is how the Welsh Government is engaging with other partners in the public sector, and, indeed, in private sector enterprises also, to encourage them into town centres.

Secondly, you mentioned the additional £10 million loan funding to bring empty and under-utilised buildings in town centres back into use. I think that's something that's really to be mentioned. Again, some excellent examples in Rhondda Cynon Taf of the local authority stepping in to deliver similar schemes. I'm thinking of the mixed-use Boot Hotel plans in Aberdare town centre, for example. So I wonder if you could give us a little more information, because I know this is something that my constituents would dearly like to see more of.

And my third and final question is, just in relation to your mention of the fund aimed at unlocking strategic stalled sites that could be used for housing. I'm wondering how that would tie in with the stalled sites fund that was announced around two years ago, and what, if any, would be any significant differences between the two.