Willmott Dixon and Cityheart appointed to develop South East Wales regeneration plans
Blaenau and Gwent team 2026
Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen councils have appointed Willmott Dixon Developments and regeneration specialist Cityheart as their Strategic Development and Investment Partner, tasking the joint venture with exploring regeneration and investment opportunities across South East Wales.
The appointment, approved by both councils after a procurement process through Pagabo’s Developer-Led Framework, creates a Development and Investment Partnership. The partners will work with local authority teams to identify, assess and progress opportunities across a portfolio of strategic sites.
Over the next 12 months, the joint venture will review sites in Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen and help shape a pipeline of potential projects. These could deliver new homes, employment opportunities, infrastructure improvements, inward investment and wider community benefits.
Willmott Dixon Developments and Cityheart are both family-owned businesses. Through the partnership, they will bring together expertise in development, regeneration, funding, investment and delivery to support the councils with complex projects and strategic opportunities.
The collaboration builds on an established relationship between Cityheart and the wider Willmott Dixon Group. Chris Wheeler, National Head of Development (Regeneration) at Willmott Dixon Developments, said: “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, said: “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.”
