Western Valleys Regeneration Framework

Client: Bridgend County Borough Council

Partners: Roberts Limbrick

Place: Llynfi, Garw and Ogmore Valleys

The community need

Bridgend County Borough Council identified a need for a regeneration framework for its western valleys. The three valleys of Llynfi, Garw and Ogmore are north of the M4 motorway, bordered by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough to the northeast and Neath Port Talbot County Borough to the northwest.

The council wanted a framework that would give strategic direction and set priorities for the local communities.

What I did

I was asked to create a framework that gave an integrated approach to economic, social and environmental well-being in the valleys while reflecting local and regional challenges and opportunities.

The three valleys each have a distinct character and identity, supported by local pride and a sense of belonging. It was essential to respect this community spirit while considering the changing regional landscape. We aimed to help ensure the communities are sustainable by giving the area a renewed purpose founded on the legacy of former industries and embracing new thinking.

I worked with Roberts Limbrick Architects to visualise some of the challenges and opportunities across the three valleys. This work was informed by:

• Strategic conversations with some of the larger agencies and organisations working in the valleys

• A desktop analysis of policy and statistical data

• Site visits to identify opportunities and links

• A review of pipeline projects and their status.

The outcome

I developed a framework for regeneration, specifically centred on needs analysis, a vision, themes and proposals. The document is accessible and easy for the county borough council to use when making strategic cases to the Welsh Government, writing funding applications and developing other proposals.