The Welsh language, the country\u2019s 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:<\/p>\n
\u201cCommunity lies at the heart of culture and cultural interpretation; and communities \u2013 people as well as place – must be at the heart of regeneration.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019 heritage and culture and the 2010 Valleys Homecoming initiative.<\/p>\n
They include:
\n* Heritage Regeneration \u2013 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\u2019s 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.
\n* 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.<\/p>\n
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