Supporting the regeneration and prosperity of Anglesey's town centres and villages
Following a successful bid, the Isle of Anglesey County Council’s regeneration team was awarded funds through the UK government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF).
During 2024, this funding has initiated a place-making programme designed to transform the island's town centres and larger villages.
Key objectives
- Deliver the first phase of the Place-Making Programme, focusing on the five town centres (Holyhead, Llangefni, Amlwch, Menai Bridge and Beaumaris).
- Support the development of tailored Place-Making Plans for certain town centres and the development of a town centre baseline document for the five towns. These documents should be read in conjunction with the Town Centres Improvement Strategy 2023 to 2028.
- Enhance the urban environment, facilities, and public spaces within these areas and other settlements across the island
- Promote the re-occupation of vacant premises and improve shopfront aesthetics.
- Collaborate with local town and community councils to encourage and facilitate community-led regeneration projects.
- Provide resources for marketing, promotional events, and visual enhancements to revitalise commercial and public spaces.
The programme aligns with the strategy for improving Anglesey’s town centres, approved by the council’s Cabinet in September 2023.
Additionally, it complements the ongoing efforts of the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Programme, further reinforcing regeneration efforts across the island.
Focus areas and scope
The primary focus of the 'Lle Da' programme is on the key urban centres of Anglesey, specifically the towns of Holyhead, Llangefni, Amlwch, Menai Bridge, and Beaumaris.
Beyond these, the initiative also extends to other vital commercial hubs outlined in the adopted Ynys Môn Local Development Plan, including the large villages of Benllech, Cemaes, Rhosneigr, Llanfairpwll, and Valley.
These locations play a crucial role in driving the island’s economy and sustaining community wellbeing.
Several Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) projects will provide island-wide benefits, reaching beyond the designated areas.
More information on Anglesey's broader SPF programme can be found on our website.
Project delivery and collaboration
The 'Lle Da' programme is managed by a dedicated team within the council’s regeneration function, working in close partnership with key local organisations such as Menter Môn, MônCF, and relevant town and community councils.
This collaborative effort ensures that the programme not only meets local needs but also integrates with long-term community development goals.
Key components of the project include:
- highway and street improvements in Llangefni and other towns
- grants to town and community councils to support town centre events, public realm and town centre improvement works
- surveys and plans for addressing vacant, underused, or eyesore sites and buildings
- grants for commercial premises improvements, prioritising high-impact projects that will rejuvenate town centres
- baseline assessments for the preparation of place-making plans, shaping the future vision for town centres across Anglesey
Additional components and projects are being developed as the programme evolves to ensure it meets the diverse needs of the island’s communities.
Cefnogi busnesau Môn – supporting local businesses
As part of the wider SPF programme, the 'Lle Da' initiative has also contributed to the establishment of a grant scheme for town centre businesses.
This scheme now forms part of the separate Cefnogi Busnesau Môn SPF Project, managed by MônCF, which is expected to benefit over 80 local businesses through direct financial support.
Programme timeline and monitoring
Initially scheduled for completion by December 2024, the 'Lle Da' programme has been extended into early 2025 to accommodate additional projects and ensure sustainable outcomes.
The scheme undergoes regular monitoring, with an external evaluation forming part of the wider SPF evaluation process for Anglesey.
Community and business involvement
One of the central tenets of the 'Lle Da' programme is fostering community and business involvement in the regeneration process.
By encouraging and initiating a close collaboration with town and community councils, local businesses, and residents, the programme ensures that the outputs and outcomes met and created respond to identified needs.
Fostering such positive relationships also assists with the place-making process and should mean that future plans are tailored to local needs and aspirations and are positively informed by key stakeholders.
This approach encourages ownership of the improvements, empowering local stakeholders to continue nurturing their town and village centres long after the completion of the initial programme.
Furthermore, the grants for commercial premises improvements aim to stimulate local economic activity by helping businesses create more attractive and functional spaces.
This not only improves the visual appeal of town centres but also promotes long-term economic sustainability by supporting local entrepreneurs and encouraging new investments.
Sustainability and long-term impact
The Lle Da Place-Making Programme is designed with sustainability at its core. Each project component considers the long-term economic, social, and environmental well-being of Anglesey’s communities.
The programme promotes the use of sustainable materials in construction and public realm improvements, as well as encouraging energy-efficient upgrades in commercial premises. This aligns with the broader goals of Anglesey’s strategy to reduce its environmental footprint and promote a greener, more resilient local economy.
Additionally, the development of place-making plans for town and village centres will provide a strategic framework for future developments, helping to guide public and private investment for years to come.
By laying the groundwork for continued regeneration, 'Lle Da' ensures that the improvements made today will benefit Anglesey’s communities well into the future.
Monitoring and evaluation
A monitoring and evaluation framework has been established which includes regular progress reviews against key performance indicators, such as the number of vacant premises re-occupied, the scope of urban realm improvements completed, and the level of community and business engagement.
In addition, an external evaluation will be conducted to assess the wider impact of the programme as part of the UK government’s Shared Prosperity Fund evaluation process for Anglesey. This will help ensure that the programme delivers value for money and meets its intended outcomes, while also identifying opportunities for future funding and regeneration initiatives.
Looking forward
While the current phase of the 'Lle Da' programme is scheduled to run until early 2025, it is seen as the first step in a broader vision for the regeneration of Anglesey’s town centres and villages.
The lessons learned and relationships built during this initial phase will serve as a foundation for future regeneration projects, ensuring that Anglesey remains a vibrant and attractive place to live, work, and visit for generations to come.
Contact information
For more information about the 'Lle Da' programme, or to find out how you can get involved with the wider Placemaking approach of the regeneration function, please contact the Isle of Anglesey County Council's Economic Development / Regeneration Team at adfywioregen@ynysmon.llyw.cymru
