February 27, 2026 - 211 views
Community groups and businesses across Conwy are being invited to bid for a share of £1.5 million aimed at transforming local spaces, parks and high streets.
Conwy County Borough Council has launched the Pride in Place Impact Fund after securing the funding from the UK Government. The scheme is designed to deliver visible, practical improvements by March 2027, with grants available for capital projects that leave a lasting mark on towns and villages across the county.
The funding forms part of the UK Government’s wider “Plan for Neighbourhoods” and Pride in Place programme, which was introduced to give local areas more control over small-scale regeneration projects that matter most to residents.
Similar allocations have been made to councils across North Wales, including neighbouring authorities such as Denbighshire County Council and Gwynedd Council, as part of efforts to boost civic pride and support town centre recovery following years of economic pressure and changing retail habits.
In Conwy, the £1.5 million will be targeted at three key areas. Community Spaces funding will support the creation, refurbishment or extension of facilities, helping local organisations safeguard valued assets such as community centres and village halls.
Public Spaces funding will focus on improvements to green spaces, play areas, leisure areas, street furniture and wayfinding. High Street Revitalisation grants will aim to enhance shop frontages, bring vacant premises back into use and inject fresh life into town centres.
The council says projects must involve physical improvements, with routine maintenance and running costs excluded. All schemes must be completed by 31 March 2027.
Councillor Sharon Doleman, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Economy and Communications, said the fund would allow communities to shape improvements themselves. She urged eligible organisations and businesses to submit applications promptly.
Local MPs have also welcomed the investment. Claire Hughes, MP for Bangor Aberconwy, said it was important that decisions about community priorities were placed in local hands. Gill German, MP for Clwyd North, described the funding as an opportunity to support “action-ready” projects capable of making a visible difference.
Across North Wales, regeneration funding in recent years has supported high street improvements, upgrades to public realm areas and the reopening of vacant commercial units. Councils say smaller, targeted capital grants — such as those available through Pride in Place — can often unlock stalled projects and deliver quick, tangible results.
Applications for the Conwy fund close on 17 April 2026. The council’s funding team is providing guidance to prospective applicants, with full details available through the authority’s website.
With town centres facing ongoing challenges from online retail, rising costs and shifting visitor patterns, councillors hope the scheme will help strengthen community assets and restore confidence in local high streets across the county.
