Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has declared that communities across Denbighshire will “benefit greatly” from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), as confirmation is imminent on a list of projects being offered funding.
UKSPF forms a major element of the replacement for the former EU Structural Funds. Denbighshire has been awarded £25,647,958 over three years. This is equivalent to £265 per head of the population and exceeds what the county would have received through the EU allocation formula.
James said the Denbighshire projects which have been awarded grants from UKSPF will "play a part in helping to boost pay, jobs and living standards, spread opportunities and improve public services. They can help restore a sense of community, local pride and belonging throughout the county."
He said:
“I am pleased that the projects which have been chosen to receive SPF funding in Denbighshire are being publicly announced.
“The Shared Prosperity Fund was launched to support the UK Government’s wider commitment to Level Up all parts of the UK, and I am confident that the chosen projects in Denbighshire will help meet that aim.
“I know that the people of Rhyl will very much welcome the investment in the town.
“£250,000 has been allocated for investment in Rhyl promenade regeneration. The plan is to improve the promenade to complement ongoing town regeneration works, as well as the multimillion-pound coastal defence works.
“Also £262,500 has been awarded to the Rhyl Queen’s Market project. The funding will be used towards the internal fit out of the main market hall and individual retail business units. It will largely support small businesses which are looking to establish a footprint within what is hoped to be a thriving new market.
“The redevelopment of this site has the potential to not only attract and generate much additional footfall in itself, but also encourage more of those visiting the increasingly improved seafront to venture into the town centre.”
Rhyl town centre, and other town centres in Denbighshire, will also benefit from £290,000 allocated to the Town Centre Property Improvement Scheme.
This project will target vacant, under-utilised or untidy properties in town centres to bring about improvements to their visual appearance and viability. The intention is to stimulate investment, increase employment opportunities, and improve the vibrancy of Denbighshire town centres.
It will be delivered through a grant programme open to Town Centre commercial property owners and occupiers.
James added:
“This investment is much needed in our town centres and can help transform eyesore properties.”
Other projects to benefit from the SPF grants in Denbighshire include Denbigh Buttermarket, Bodelwyddan Country Park, Rhyl Botanical Gardens, Bastion Road/Prestatyn Central Beach public realm upgrades, accessible play areas, CCTV, ‘Working Denbighshire’, feasibility studies for economic development proposals and Countryside Services Rangers.
James added:
“I visited Denbigh’s historic former Buttermarket back in 2021 to learn more about Vale of Clwyd Mind’s plans to convert the building into a community health well-being centre. I am extremely pleased that this project is expected to be successful in securing £1,403,632 of Denbighshire’s allocation of SPF money.
“This culture, heritage and wellbeing project is an exciting development which will be a real asset to the local community. It will benefit residents, visitors and the service users of Vale of Clwyd Mind, Age Connect and Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych.
“I also very much welcome that £900,000 has been allocated to the Bodelwyddan Country Park project, which will develop a Country Park on Woodland/Parkland adjacent to Bodelwyddan Castle.
“A fully accessible park will help encourage repeat visits by local residents as well as visitors to the area, providing an opportunity for people to spend time outdoors and to enjoy quality facilities, the natural environment, heritage assets and far-reaching views of the special landscape of this part of North Wales.”
James added:
“The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is an example of true devolution. Instead of Brussels dictating to officials in Cardiff who would then decide how and where the money was spent, the Government has been working closely with local councils in every corner of the UK, ensuring that they choose where funding is most needed and should be directed to.
"I look forward to seeing the improvements it will make to our communities throughout Denbighshire and beyond."
Funding for the UKSPF will be £2.6 billion between 2022 and 2025. Annual allocation will reach £1.5 billion per year by March 2025, delivering on the UK Government’s commitment to at least match the former EU Structural Funds.
