The Welsh language, the country’s distinct and diverse culture, its colourful history, its rugby clubs and industrial heritage – all have a contributing role to play in the sustainable regeneration of communities in Wales. That was the message from Leighton Andrews, Deputy Minister for Regeneration, today (Friday June 19) when he addressed a conference on Culture, the Creative Industries and Regeneration organised by the Institute of Welsh Affairs. He said the link from culture to regeneration is a simple one:
“Community lies at the heart of culture and cultural interpretation; and communities – people as well as place – must be at the heart of regeneration.”
At the conference the Deputy Minister made a number of significant announcements that will have an impact on a range of diverse regeneration projects around Wales, many of which are linked to Wales’ heritage and culture and the 2010 Valleys Homecoming initiative.
They include:
* Heritage Regeneration – officials are scoping the creation of a multi million pound pan-Wales capital programme for the sustainable regeneration of specific heritage sites and buildings to be undertaken in consultation with CADW, the Assembly Government’s historic environment division. A fund for smaller community led projects in the Valleys will enable local groups to regenerate local buildings and provide additional facilities for the 2010 Valleys Homecoming.
* A Centre for Regeneration Excellence in Wales is to be established and recruitment for a chief executive will begin shortly. This follows the recommendations of a working group which highlighted the potential to develop a Centre with an international reputation for training, research and exchange of good practice that covered physical, economic, social, community and environmental regeneration activity.
http://new.wales.gov.uk/news/latest/090619cultureconference/?lang=en
