Willmott Dixon Developments and Cityheart appointed for Wales regeneration programme

In the picture, L-R: Benji Slater, Development Director at Cityheart; Councillor John Morgan, Cabinet Member Economy and Place at Blaenau Gwent Council; Councillor Joanne Gauden, Executive Member for Economy, Skills and Regeneration at Torfaen Council; and Chris Wheeler, National Head of Development (Regeneration) at Willmott Dixon Developments.

Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council and Torfaen County Borough Council have appointed Willmott Dixon Developments, in joint venture with regeneration specialist Cityheart, as their Strategic Development and Investment Partner to help unlock regeneration, investment and development opportunities across South East Wales.

Approved by both councils following a procurement process through Pagabo's Developer-Led Framework, the appointment establishes a Development and Investment Partnership that will see the joint venture work alongside local authority teams to identify, assess and progress opportunities across a portfolio of strategic sites.

The joint venture will review sites across Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen over the next 12 months, helping to shape a pipeline of projects capable of delivering new homes, employment opportunities, infrastructure improvements, inward investment and wider community benefits.

The appointment brings together two family-owned businesses with aligned values and a shared commitment to regeneration and social impact. Through the joint venture, Willmott Dixon Developments and Cityheart will combine their expertise in development, regeneration, funding, investment and delivery to support the councils in bringing forward complex projects and unlocking strategic opportunities across the region.

This collaboration builds on an established relationship between Cityheart and the wider Willmott Dixon Group, reflecting a shared passion for creating places that deliver lasting benefits for communities.

Chris Wheeler, National Head of Development (Regeneration) at Willmott Dixon Developments:

“We're pleased to have been appointed as the Strategic Development and Investment Partner for Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen. Working alongside Cityheart, we're looking forward to supporting both councils as they explore opportunities across their strategic sites. The wider Willmott Dixon Group has a longstanding presence in the region, including projects such as Ebbw Vale Leisure Centre and the Gwent Archives, and we're excited to build on that legacy to help create lasting opportunities for local communities.”

Benji Slater, Development Director at Cityheart:

“The partnership between Willmott Dixon Developments and Cityheart reflects our shared commitment to working alongside Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen Borough Councils, two authorities with a clear vision for the future of their communities. This part of Wales shaped the industrial world, and we have a rare opportunity to build on that heritage and local pride by unlocking long-term investment, creating new homes and jobs, and leaving a legacy that will last for generations. It’s a hugely exciting opportunity, and we can’t wait to get started.”

As federated authorities, Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen have committed to working together to accelerate regeneration, attract investment and create opportunities that deliver lasting benefits across both county boroughs.

Councillor John Morgan, Cabinet Member for Economy and Place at Blaenau Gwent Council:

"This partnership represents an important step in helping us realise our ambitions for Blaenau Gwent and our federated partner, Torfaen. By combining our local knowledge and vision with specialist development expertise, we can accelerate regeneration projects, attract further investment and create opportunities that benefit our communities for generations to come.

"Our focus remains on delivering high-quality homes, improving infrastructure, supporting local businesses and creating the conditions for sustainable economic growth. Working with a strategic partner will strengthen our ability to unlock complex sites and bring forward projects that make a real difference to residents across the county borough."

Councillor Joanne Gauden, Executive Member for Economy, Skills and Regeneration at Torfaen Council, added:

"Both councils are committed to addressing inequalities within our communities. Regeneration and projects that align with the Marmot principles and deliver the well-being objectives in our County Plan are a central part of our approach to driving economic growth. A strategic partnership will act as a key delivery mechanism to translate ambition into action, accelerate regeneration, maximise complex development opportunities, make full use of external investment and unlock opportunities to provide quality housing and high value jobs."