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POWYS COUNTY COUNCIL
There are plenty of exciting regeneration projects on the horizon for Powys. Thanks to the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme, projects worth £7.9 million are being supported across the county.
From the modernisation of the Monty Club to the redevelopment of Radio Maldwyn, Newtown town centre has benefitted from a range of regeneration projects in recent years.
Here’s a ‘then and now’ look at just four of the innovative developments that have helped rejuvenate this picturesque market town — all thanks to funding from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme, and collaborative work between Powys County Council, Newtown & Llanllwchaiarn Town Council and Open Newtown.
Each development has been designed to honour the rich history of Newtown while looking ahead to the future…
The Monty Club
Built in 1696, the Monty Club began life as the Unicorn Inn on Broad Street – a popular choice for Newtown’s visitors and residents alike. During the First World War it fell vacant before becoming Newtown British Legion in 1921, and maintains a close connection with the forces today.
In 2019 the Monty Club secured a grant from the Transforming Towns programme via Powys County Council to deliver a much-needed refurbishment to restore this much-loved building to its former glory.
Today the Monty Club’s flexible meeting spaces and activity areas will be a welcome asset for community groups and workshops from local partners including Business Wales and Enterprise Hub Newtown.
Radio Maldwyn
Another regeneration success story is the development of the former Radio Maldwyn site into the Riverside Venue development.
Radio Maldwyn was a community-run radio station based at the back of Newtown’s main car park in the town centre.
The station began broadcasting on 7.56am on 1, 1993, and quickly became a local favourite for its quirky presenters and giveaway competitions. But sadly, listener numbers dwindled over the years and after re-branding as commercial station, Radio Hafren, in 2010, it finally stopped broadcasting in 2015.
After falling into disrepair, the building was acquired by Open Newtown, a community enterprise which has secured £1.1m funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to invest in Newtown’s green spaces between 2019 and 2024.
With a £950,000 investment from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme and £650,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund, the site will soon house an architect-designed two-storey building featuring a café, meeting rooms and kayak rental.
Open Newtown hopes that this sustainable development will not only generate employment by creating jobs but instil a sense of local pride.
Gary Mitchell from Open Newtown said: “Open Newtown is delighted to see the commencement of construction work on the future Riverside Venue site.
This will be a real asset for Newtown and the surrounding area, supporting tourism, social enterprises and health and wellbeing as well as being an exemplar for sustainable design and construction.”
Riverside play park
In summer 2020 a new play park was built on the site, offering play facilities for children of all ages — and when combined with the nearby BMX Pump Track and Mountain Bike Trail on Trehafren Hill there’s a plethora of activities for families in the area.
The next stage will see the unveiling of a Bike Hub for residents and visitors to store their bikes, rent bikes for a small hourly fee and even repair a pesky puncture with a free repair station.
Building work has now commenced on the former Radio Maldwyn site and the Riverside Venue is due to open its doors in early 2022.
Green Infrastructure Improvements
Work is underway to develop proposals to enhance green space in Newtown town centre.
With projects ranging from vegetation planting to improving drainage and developing new cycle paths, the Transforming Towns programme in association with Powys County Council and Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council is dedicated to making the town centre a greener and more pleasant place to live, work, study and enjoy leisure time.
Cllr David Selby, Mayor of Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn said: “I welcome this investment in Newtown. Also, the collaborative working between Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council, Powys County Council, Welsh Government and third sector in delivering improvements and innovation to our town. In the spirit of our forefathers, Newtown is developing its town for the future.”
Cllr Iain McIntosh, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Economic Regeneration said: “The regeneration approach being taken in Newtown is an example of good practice across Wales.
"The investment and momentum being generated in Newtown is delivering tangible, long term benefits to the town and the local community, this has only been possible through collaborative working."
Looking ahead
With almost £4m funding from the Transforming Towns programme being invested across Powys, there are plenty of exciting regeneration projects on the horizon.
Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hannah Blythyn, said: “The Transforming Towns initiative brings a vital boost to local economies across Welsh towns, supporting communities and businesses to develop and thrive.
“The regeneration projects in Newtown demonstrate the importance of town centres for the local community. Each development, under the guidance of the local authority, will provide new opportunities for local residents by providing more business space, as well as places to meet and socialise with others.
“I look forward to watching these regeneration projects develop and bring a social and economic boost in Newtown in 2021 and beyond.”
Transforming Towns is a Welsh Government programme dedicated to town centre regeneration in Wales, providing nearly £110 million to support high streets, town centres, green spaces, and community development.
For more information on the history of Newtown and the surrounding area, please contact Newtown Local History Group at: newtownhistorygroup@yahoo.com
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