By Torsten Bell MP
It’s my job to stand up for every corner of our city. To make sure no part of it gets forgotten.
A huge highlight of last year was the news in September that the UK Labour Government had selected Swansea as one of the only places in Wales to receive over £20m of investment as part of the Pride in Place programme. This is grassroots funding to renew high streets and strengthen communities. This is how we turn the page after years of decline, practical action to back local communities and restore neighbourhoods that have too often been left behind.
We all feel proud of where we live, whichever part of Swansea it is. But some parts of the city have too often been forgotten. So today I am calling for this investment to be focused on exactly such a place – an area that is the gateway to our city.
Swansea has seen real progress in recent years in renewing our city centre. Everyone can see it being revitalised, with the opening of the arena and the new Y Storfa. These new buildings sit alongside the renewal of historic landmarks, stretching up to the Palace Theatre. But the high street continues further north than the Palace Theatre, connecting into neighbourhoods including Brynmelyn, Waun Wen, North Hill and Hafod. We all know more needs to be done to ensure regeneration and support reaches here. After all, this area is home to around 10,000 residents who too often tell me they have felt forgotten. Thousands more pass through it every day on their commute. And for many visitors arriving by train or road, it forms their very first impression of Swansea. We can do more to make sure it is the best impression possible.
There are positives to build on. These are strong communities with brilliant people, deep roots and a real sense of pride. I heard all this and more in the Brynmelyn Community Centre at one of my regular coffee mornings. We’ve already seen encouraging progress, including the renovation of local housing. But anyone who knows the area will also recognise that there is more to do – from improving public spaces and safety, to supporting local businesses, better configuring the road network and creating streets people feel proud to call home.
Pride in Place funding is made for exactly this kind of challenge. It’s about boosting areas that haven’t had the investment they deserve, and using that support to spark wider renewal. That’s why I’m calling for the Pride in Place investment to be focused on the city gateway – alongside significant investment from Swansea Council in better housing, community connection and transport services – as the vital next step in Swansea’s regeneration.
What matters just as much as where the money is invested is how it is used. Once a neighbourhood is chosen, local people will play a key role in shaping the plans, ensuring investment reflects the needs, ideas and ambitions of the community itself. I’ll be organising events to discuss ideas for what the right priorities should be.
My view is clear. If we want this funding to deliver real change, restore confidence and show what a Labour government means in practice, then the communities of upper Swansea city is the right place to start. It’s our chance to show that no part of Swansea can be written off – and that with the right support, every community can move forward with pride.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Swansea Bay News.
