On Thursday, 27 March, Monmouthshire County Council’s Leader, Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, welcomed the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, to Chepstow.
Throughout the visit, the Cabinet Secretary visited various locations that have benefited from Welsh Government grants as part of The Transforming Chepstow Masterplan, including The Drill Hall and the Rainbow Centre. The Cabinet Secretary was also shown how work is progressing on redeveloping Severn View into temporary homeless accommodation.
The Cabinet Secretary was joined by Cllr Brocklesby, MCC Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Griffiths, the Mayor of Chepstow – Tudor Griffiths and members of Chepstow Town Council, providing an opportunity to showcase the collaborative efforts between the County Council and Chepstow Town Council.
Following the visit, Cllr Brocklesby remarked, “We were delighted to welcome the Cabinet Secretary to Chepstow. It was wonderful to see how Welsh Government funds have improved facilities and added to the attractiveness and liveliness of Chepstow. The Cabinet Secretary was able to see for herself how working with the Town Council and community groups in close collaboration in using the funding and grants available helped not only enhance community spaces for residents but also improve the well-being and quality of life of residents.
Monmouthshire County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, Cllr Paul Griffiths, stated, “Across the county, we are working closely with town councils to ensure that our town centres remain vibrant and welcoming places.”
The Welsh Government’s Transforming Town Placemaking Grant Programme has facilitated various projects in Chepstow. Last year, funding was allocated to provide a new roof for The Drill Hall, with additional funding recently approved for upgrading the interior of the Hall, creating a more welcoming and versatile space for community use.
The Rainbow Trust Café building, owned by the Chepstow Rainbow Trust Charity, was officially reopened after renovation recently. It provides a valuable service for the town by hosting the Chepstow Community Fridge and Chepstow Food Club.
Located on Moor Street, one of the gateways to Chepstow, the building is now a welcoming beacon for residents and visitors alike. The Rainbow Trust Café has received funding from Monmouthshire County Council, Chepstow Town Council, the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Placemaking Grant Programme, and the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to transform the place into a beautiful, welcoming hub.
The last port of call was to Severn View, formerly a care home, to look at progress on repurposing the building into temporary homeless accommodation. Once completed, Seven View will provide accommodation, communal space, and gardens. It will be a home for various services and support to help Seven View residents rebuild their lives.
