£20 million ‘Pride in Place’ plan moves forward

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Three communities in the Upper Rhymney Valley look set to benefit from a £20million funding boost.

The UK government’s ‘Pride in Place’ Programme will see up to £5 billion given to nearly 250 areas across the UK. Each area will receive up to £20 million of funding and support over the next 10 years to make long-term improvements that residents want.

Cabinet approval is being sought to put forward the communities of Bargoed, Aberbargoed and New Tredegar as the combined qualifying neighbourhood to receive the funding within Caerphilly county borough.

Leader of Council, Cllr Jamie Pritchard said, “We have monitored the UK government’s criteria thoroughly, considering the strong emphasis on recognising the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation, an area of between 5,000 to 15,000 residents and complementing Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme. Based on these criteria, we are proposing the area of Bargoed, Aberbargoed and New Tredegar. Full Council approved the Bargoed Placemaking Plan in July 2025, so this funding opportunity can add further weight to improving the town centre.

“When I became Leader of Council last month, I said I wanted to see greater investment in all parts of the county borough. With the £20 million proposed for the A469, which serves the Upper Rhymney Valley and now the allocation of £20 million investment in Bargoed, Aberbargoed and New Tredegar, I’m confident action is being taken to do this,” he added.

The Pride in Place Programme gives power to local people and partnerships, bringing together residents, local MP’s,  the council, businesses and community organisations to decide how they would like to shape their area.

If this neighbourhood is agreed by UK Government, an independent Neighbourhood Board will be established to agree how the £20million will be spent over the next 10 years, with a key focus being on community engagement to agree the nature of the investment.

A report will be considered by the council’s Cabinet on 17 December with further details about the next steps in delivering the ‘Pride in Place’ programme.