How Welshpool will spend its £83k windfall

Following yesterday’s announcement that all Powys towns will receive an £83,000 cash windfall to spruce them up and encourage community spirit, Welshpool has come out to explain where the cash will be spent here.

The money is part of a £1.5million Powys County Council fund called Pride in Place Impact Fund and will support what is expected to become the largest coordinated programme of town centre public realm improvements undertaken by the Council in recent years.

The funding will support the delivery of the Welshpool Town Centre Improvement Project, a major initiative designed to improve the appearance, accessibility and overall experience of Welshpool’s streets and public spaces.

The project will bring together a range of improvements across the town, including enhanced wayfinding and signage, new benches and bins, additional planting and trees, improvements to public spaces, upgraded visitor information and features designed to strengthen Welshpool's identity and sense of place.

The Council’s successful bid was based on priorities identified through the Welshpool Town Centre Investment Plan and focuses on improving key streets, public spaces and arrival points across the town.

Projects currently being explored include:

·      Replacement of existing wayfinding with modern maps and consistent signage;

·      New benches, bins and other street furniture

·      Additional tree planting and greening enhancements

·      Improvements to public spaces, including Ponthowell Gardens

·      Installation of Welshpool town identity lettering

·      A new interactive digital noticeboard outside the Town Hall

·      Improved signage at key bus stop locations.

Town Clerk Richard Williams explained: “This is one of the most significant investments in Welshpool’s public realm for many years and provides an opportunity to take a coordinated approach to improving the town centre.

“The funding award is the first step. The next stage will involve developing detailed proposals, obtaining professional design support and engaging with residents, businesses and community groups so that people can help shape the final scheme.

“We want to ensure that the improvements reflect Welshpool’s character and deliver lasting benefits for the whole community.”

A dedicated Project Board has already been established by the Council to oversee the project and guide its development.

The Council intends to undertake public engagement as proposals emerge, giving residents and businesses the opportunity to share their views on the look and feel of the project before final decisions are made.

The project is expected to be completed by March 2027.

Montgomery, Llanfyllin, Newtown and Llanfair Caereinion have also received £83,000 each from the same fund.

PICTURE: An AI image of how the Town Council would like to see the Town Centre become more visitor-friendly.