Council provides update on UK Government funding application
The Vale of Glamorgan Council has turned its attention to the next round of applications for the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund in an effort to secure a £20 million investment for Barry Waterfront.
Following consultation with UK Government and a full project appraisal process, that is considered the approach most likely to be successful.
Applications for the next funding round will open at the end of this year or in early 2022.
Under the terms of the UK Government funding, projects ready for delivery will be at an advantage and the Council will look to develop a strategy that puts its application in the best possible position.
Cllr Neil Moore, Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: “We are determined to make as strong a case as possible for funding and to present our bid at a time when it is most likely to be successful. Following discussions with UK Government, the most sensible approach appears to be waiting around six months for the next round of funding. I am hopeful that the UK Government shares our confidence in the future of Barry.
“Over the last 20 years, the Waterfront has seen the development of shops and restaurants as well as substantial housing investment. As a Council, we now want to take the area to the next level by better linking it with the communities of Barry and unlocking the potential of employment land and leisure.
“I believe that Barry has a strong case for access to this fund and we will be making that point loud and clear. Discussions have taken place with our local MP who is supportive of our decision to submit a bid based around Barry. We want to ensure that the communities of Barry are better connected to the waterfront and that employment land is unlocked for future use. Most importantly this will be a proposal for an investment in jobs.”
The Council has also been preparing a bid for the separate Community Renewal Fund, which totals more than £1 million.
This is designed to help support community and Council-led projects that can be delivered this financial year.
The Council expects to hear in the coming weeks if it has been successful in its bid for Community Renewal funding, following its submission to UK Government.