Mid Wales property owners and businesses have a significant opportunity to access capital funding through the latest round of the Welsh Government's Transforming Towns Placemaking Grant programme, which has just launched for 2025-2027. It is being managed by Powys County Council and Ceredigion County Council.
The £4 million grant scheme, covering Powys and Ceredigion, aims to revitalise town centres through capital investment in buildings and public spaces. This presents substantial opportunities for businesses, developers, and property owners looking to enhance, improve, or redevelop properties in town centres across the region.
What the grant offers
The Transforming Towns programme provides capital funding for a wide range of projects that can help rejuvenate town centres, including:
• Commercial property improvements (both internal and external) • Conversion of empty spaces above shops into residential units • Green infrastructure developments • Town centre markets and public realm enhancements • Digital infrastructure in town centres • Improvements to make town centres more accessible
Doug Hughes, Principal Architect and Managing Director of Hughes Architects, said: "This latest round of the Transforming Towns grant represents a tremendous opportunity for property owners and businesses in our town centres. Many buildings in Mid Wales have significant potential for improvement or repurposing, and this funding can help bridge the financial gap that often prevents these projects from moving forward."
Applications for grants between £30,000 and £300,000 are being accepted. The scheme is designed to cover projects that would otherwise be commercially challenging due to the 'market gap' between development costs and the resulting property value.
How Hughes Architects can help
With offices in Newtown and Welshpool in Powys and extensive experience throughout Mid Wales, Hughes Architects is ideally positioned to support grant applicants through the entire process. It has been involved in several regeneration projects under the previous placemaking grant scheme.
"Our team has considerable expertise in navigating planning requirements, designing appropriate solutions for town centre buildings, and helping clients secure funding for their projects," said Richard Lewis, Architect and Director at Hughes Architects. "We understand what makes a successful application and can guide property owners through every step, from initial concept to completion."
The practice offers particular expertise in: • Conservation architecture for historic and listed buildings • Sustainable and energy-efficient design • Converting commercial properties to mixed-use developments • Breathing new life into underutilised town centre spaces • Navigating the complex planning requirements in conservation areas
As a RIBA Chartered Practice with a RIBA accredited Conservation Architect, Hughes Architects brings specialist knowledge that's particularly valuable for the historic buildings that characterise many of Mid Wales' town centres.
Doug Hughes added: "Many property owners don't realise the potential their buildings hold. With our expertise in building design, planning, and the specific requirements of older and listed buildings, we can help unlock opportunities through schemes like the Transforming Towns grant. Our 98% success rate with planning applications demonstrates our ability to navigate what can be a complex process."
Key grant information
• Applications are open now until 31st December 2026 • Minimum eligible project costs: £30,000 • Maximum grant award: £300,000 • Available to: Private businesses, developers, third sector organisations, and public sector bodies • Projects must demonstrate links to town plans and clearly benefit town centres
The grant is designed as funding of last resort, with applicants needing to demonstrate they have explored other funding avenues, including private investment and loans.
"This grant scheme is part of a broader commitment to revitalising our town centres, which face significant challenges in the modern retail environment," Richard added. "By investing in mixed-use developments, improving the quality of commercial premises, and creating town centre residential units, we can help ensure our towns remain vibrant and relevant for generations to come."
For property owners interested in exploring potential projects under the Transforming Towns scheme, Hughes Architects offers an initial consultation to discuss possibilities and outline how they can support applications.
Contact Hughes Architects on 01686 610311 or email enquiries@hughesarchitects.co.uk to discuss how they can help with a potential grant application.
