A Strategic Sites Acquisition Fund for councils, co-investment scheme and 20mph zones are all part of a vision to develop vibrant Welsh high streets and town centres.
Last week Economy Minister Ken Skates told Business Live the pandemic could be an opportunity for towns in Wales to regenerate - with a move away the expansion of big cities.
Now Welsh Government is providing £320m towards the immediate Covid recovery plan and published “Covid Reconstruction – Challenges and Priorities”.
This includes cash for town centres and capital investment in low carbon housing, schools and primary care.
When it comes to town centre regeneration, the report says: “We intend to launch a Strategic Sites Acquisition Fund to enable local authorities to acquire land high street premises in our local town centres in order to revitalise centres which may see increased footfall as a result of the increased propensity to work from home for some or all of the time, rather than commute to larger cities.
“This will support our policy of ‘Town Centre First’ in terms of the provision of public services and help enable a network of enterprise centres and ‘local to home’ working hubs.
“Where there are no viable uses for derelict sites, the Fund should also enable the creation of new green spaces.
“We will work with local authorities to develop a co-investment scheme to enhance the attractiveness of town centres which may see increased footfall as a result of the increased propensity to work from home for some or all of the time, rather than commute to larger cities.
“We all want to see vibrant town centres that can make a positive contribution to our sense of well-being and which can contribute to supporting local shops and services and all of the jobs that these provide.
“In order to improve the environment in our town and city centres, we will press ahead with pilot projects of 20mph zones.”
Counsel General Jeremy Miles said, “There’s no doubt our future will look different as a consequence of coronavirus. But that future is not fixed and we have an opportunity to shape it.”
Finance Minister Rebecca Evans said: “I am determined to maximise the impact of our available resources to support our recovery.”
