A GROUND-BREAKING funding initiative will be helping to transform Neath Port Talbot.

The county has been included in a £200m commitment launched by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help areas across the UK thrive.

The 10-year investment initiative called Heritage Places is aiming to inspire communities, revitalise economies and reinforce pride in places.

Neath Port Talbot has been chosen for its stunning natural landscapes, rich industrial heritage including one of the biggest steelworks in the world, its charming villages and thriving towns and its up-and-coming creative quarter.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund aims to help transform the places chosen to receive a share of the £200m by 2033, with Neath Port Talbot one of the first nine places to benefit alongside Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon; County Durham; Glasgow; Leicester; Medway; North East Lincolnshire; Stoke-on-Trent; and Torbay.

Cllr Steve Hunt, leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, said: “It’s incredibly exciting to think what can be achieved over the coming years in Neath Port Talbot with this announcement from The National Lottery Heritage Fund – with our newly adopted culture strategy and a heritage strategy going out to public consultation the combined impact of the investment over time could be truly transforming.

“We hope the impact of this on our communities and places will continue to inspire more applications for funding of heritage projects across the county borough and it ties in perfectly with one of the council’s prime objectives – ensuring our local environment, heritage and culture can be enjoyed by future generations.

“I’m sure all from the county borough would send a big ‘diolch’ to The National Lottery Heritage Fund organisers.”

Eirwen Hopkins, convenor of the heritage group Rich History/Hanes Rich, said: “Along with my colleagues, who have been beavering away in the voluntary sector for years to discover and promote Neath Port Talbot’s wonderful, and often hidden, heritage, I am delighted with this announcement!

“We have knowledge, hopes and dreams regarding the possible projects that may now be achieved to put Neath Port Talbot on the map for the rich tapestry of stories, characters, sites and buildings, and important historic events that both celebrate the local people for who they are, and link us with the wider history of Wales and the UK.

“We would all like to thank players of the Lottery for giving us this unique opportunity to get the news out that Neath Port Talbot has an amazing history and heritage! Diolch o galon!”

Andrew White, The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s director of Wales, said: “We’ve seen time and time again that when our investments contribute to the long-term vision for a place, the benefits can be profound and long-lasting – from boosting local economies by creating jobs and encouraging tourism, to reinforcing a sense of pride in our communities, to protecting our environment and supporting nature’s recovery – and so much more.”

Heritage Places will provide early funding to engage communities and develop partnerships which unlock possibilities from the heritage on their doorstep.