A new community hub with post office and shop in Dryslwyn,
significant improvements to Fairwater RFC in Cardiff, and a
former primary school in Cribyn, Ceredigion, are among an
additional 57 community projects sharing a new £4.8m Welsh
Government funding.
The funding from the Welsh Government's Communities Facilities
Programme helps community groups across Wales to purchase and
improve premises to create spaces that bring people together to
connect, learn new skills, and access essential services.
In Dryslwyn, Carmarthenshire, funding will help establish a
purpose-built community hub incorporating vital local services
including a shop and post office. Fairwater RFC will receive
£300,000 to redevelop their current building, creating more
community space and improving facilities including insulation and
heating. In Ceredigion, £195,000 will help restore the former
Cribyn primary school to its role as a vital community hub after
standing largely unused for 15 years.
The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice announced the investment
during a visit to Media Academy Cymru (MAC) in Cardiff. MAC,
which itself secured £300,000 in a previous round of funding in
October 2024 to purchase their current building. MAC provides
vital training and opportunities for Cardiff communities,
particularly supporting those facing barriers to education and
employment. Their premises serves as a free-to-use community
space, helping over 6,000 people annually, including more than
300 families in crisis.
Chief Executive of Media Academy Cymru, Nick
Corrigan, said: "The Welsh Government's investment,
through the Community Facilities Programme, is an investment in
supporting people in communities where underused buildings can be
at the centre of social justice and rejuvenation. Having the
support of this grant means that the building, which is easily
accessible for people across the city, can offer space and
support for people with barriers to achieving their potential. We
are particularly delighted that through the awarding of this
grant we have been able to purchase a previously empty office
space and turn it into a thriving community hub used by many
thousands."
The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, , said: "Media Academy
Cymru shows the real impact of Community Facilities Programme
funding. Every community deserves spaces where people can gather,
learn and support each other. These aren't just building
improvements – they're investments in community spirit, local
opportunities and bringing people together. I'm continuously
inspired by the passion and dedication of volunteers and
organisations who turn these ideas into reality."
Since 2015, the Welsh Government's Community facilities Programme
has helped create or protect more than 500 community spaces
across Wales, with total investment now reaching nearly £68m.
