Millions available for investment projects

Organisations across North Powys are being encouraged to come forward with major investment ideas after a new call for capital projects opened across Mid Wales.

The Growing Mid Wales partnership has launched an open call for proposals to help refresh and strengthen the region’s long term investment pipeline, with the aim of bringing forward high impact projects that can support economic growth, jobs and skills across communities including Newtown, Welshpool, Llanidloes and surrounding rural areas.

The pipeline is designed to identify projects that are ambitious, deliverable and ready for investment. While it will help shape future phases of the Mid Wales Growth Deal, it will also position the region strongly for other public funding opportunities and private sector investment in the years ahead.

Projects can come from private businesses, local authorities, public bodies and registered charities. To be eligible, schemes must have a total capital value of between £500,000 and £25 million, secure at least 60 percent match funding, and be capable of being delivered by 2032. Proposals must also align with regional priorities and the objectives of the Mid Wales Growth Deal.

For North Powys, the call presents an opportunity to build on existing investment in areas such as skills, digital connectivity, renewable energy, agri food, advanced manufacturing and enterprise infrastructure, all of which are seen as key to supporting long term economic resilience in rural communities.

The current Growth Deal portfolio already includes projects across Powys and Ceredigion focused on innovation, productivity and sector growth. The refreshed pipeline aims to ensure that future investment remains balanced and responsive to emerging opportunities, including those specific to rural economies.

Councillor Jake Berriman, Leader of Powys County Council, speaking jointly with Councillor Bryan Davies, Leader of Ceredigion County Council, said the move was about making sure Mid Wales is ready when funding opportunities arise.

They said: “We are committed to ensuring that Mid Wales is well positioned to secure investment now and in the future. Refreshing and strengthening our regional project pipeline is a proactive step that ensures we have ambitious, credible and deliverable proposals ready when opportunities arise. We encourage organisations to engage early with the Growing Mid Wales team to explore whether their project may be a good fit.”

Workshops and support events are expected to be held in the New Year to help organisations across North Powys and the wider region understand the opportunity and develop their proposals.

Guidance, application forms and supporting information are available on the Growing Mid Wales website. Before submitting a proposal, organisations are strongly encouraged to contact the Growing Mid Wales Portfolio Management Office for an informal discussion about funding requirements and timescales by emailing growingmidwales@ceredigion.gov.uk.