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Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, Lesley Griffiths, has announced an extra £1.5 million for an ambitious regeneration scheme in Merthyr Tydfil, bringing total Welsh Government investment in the project to £5.7 million.

Based on the site of the old Merthyr Vale Colliery, Project Riverside will see the creation of 230 new homes, with the potential for other developments such as small shops, a nursing home, offices and a restaurant.

The first phase of the project – the construction of Ynysowen primary school – has been completed, with the school receiving its first intake of pupils in 2010. Construction work is underway to put in place the main infrastructure needed to make the site ready for the housing development – today’s funding will help bring forward the next stage of the project.

Of the funding announced today, £1,150,000 will be used to buy up to 18 houses from owners who wish to sell their properties in Taff Street and Crescent Street. This will help create further land for new housing. £350,000 will also be used to bring forward the delivery of a new recycling centre on the site.

Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, Lesley Griffiths, said:

"Our vision is for everybody in Wales to live in a good quality home, within a vibrant, viable and sustainable community. Project Riverside will have a truly transformative effect on the area, providing first-class housing and infrastructure for local people.

"I’m delighted to announce a further £1.5m funding for the project, which we are delivering in partnership with Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council. I look forward to seeing the end result of this innovative and ambitious regeneration scheme."

Project Riverside is being jointly funded by the Welsh Government and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, who will invest £8.2 million in the scheme.

Leader of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, Councillor Brendan Toomey, said:

"This new investment will facilitate delivery of our exciting plans for the area delivering on the Council’s long established strategic ambitions. When completed, Project Riverside will have created modern homes with a distinct identity that will fundamentally change the appearance of the valley floor, re-establishing the link between the communities of Merthyr Vale and Aberfan. This is a wonderful opportunity!”

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