Regeneration of post-industrial sites in the South Wales Valleys
The effects of climate change could impact sites in Wales such as disused coal tips: solutions are sought to ensure communities are safe.
There are a large number of post-industrial sites in the South Wales Valleys area, which remain amongst the most socio-economically deprived with spatial variations in terms of health, well-being, education and economic prosperity. These brownfield sites are often not considered suitable for development. Securing the long-term resilience of these sites and the wider post-industrial estate in Wales is an area of increasing focus.
The effects of climate change have the potential to significantly impact post-industrial sites such as disused coal tips. The Welsh Government and its partners are delivering a programme of work to ensure communities are safe. This includes inspection and maintenance of coal tips and developing new policy and legislation.
A collaboration of partners including: The Coalfields Regeneration Trust; The Coal Authority; Bridgend County Borough Council and Welsh Government; are seeking to address this problem and through this challenge we are looking to ensure that:
- The benefits of any proposed programme of work are maximised.
- Public investment helps tackle these spatial variations in the long term.
- The needs of the community within the area of the development are taken into account.
A desirable outcome would be a scoping tool which will allow the user to assess the viability and resource potential to regenerate a specific post-industrial site. This tool would be available in the public domain in an accessible, easy to use format, capable of being updated to ensure its longevity.
It is envisaged that this site agnostic model would consider a range of possible end uses. Intended end users of this solution:
- Developers (housing, industrial and renewable energy);
- Local Authorities (particularly useful when producing their LDP’s);
- Community groups/Social enterprises;
- Housing associations;
- Landowners including farmers and Natural Resources Wales;
- Research bodies;
- The Coal Authority (links with their work with Mine Water Heat); and
- The Welsh Government.
There is significant existing data, with varying levels of validation. It does not appear that any site agnostic model which has the capability of overlaying data to provide a list of regeneration opportunities of post-industrial sites is in place anywhere.
We are looking to fund up to 4 projects up to a value of up to £50,000 each (inclusive of VAT). Projects successful at phase 1 will be eligible to apply to subsequent phases. Additional phases will be dependent upon the outcomes of Phase 1 and future funding allocation.
This SBRI competition (being run under the Contracts for Innovation process) is open to all eligible organisations that can demonstrate a route to market for their solution.
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This SBRI competition (being run under the Contracts for Innovation process) is open to all eligible organisations (including universities, registered charities, and pre-startup companies which are legal entities), registered in the UK, EU and the European Economic Area, that can demonstrate a route to market for their solution. Contracts will be awarded to a single legal entity only. However, if you can justify subcontracting components of the work, you can engage specialists or advisers.
All projects must demonstrate targeted engagement with a potential end user.
Projects can include more than one subcontractor, however, the involvement and role of each organisation should be clearly specified and the commitment evidenced, ideally with named individuals stated in the application.
Academic partners are also welcomed, particularly if in relation to independent evaluation and meeting any required technical and/or scientific testing.
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We are looking to fund up to 4 projects up to a value of up to £50,000 each (inclusive of VAT).
Note: Projects successful at phase 1 will be eligible to apply to subsequent phases. Additional phases will be dependent upon the outcomes of Phase 1 and future funding allocation.
The key focus will be on demonstrating the potential affordability and scalability of solutions that can be delivered at pace.
If project applications are seeking to build upon previous trials/small-scale testing, applications must clearly articulate how this funding will help accelerate more wide-spread development, outlining any previous adoption barriers and demonstrating how these will be addressed.
- All projects must demonstrate targeted engagement with a potential end user.
- All projects must demonstrate that stakeholder/public engagement strategy has been written into the application and will be implemented at the earliest possible stage within the project – co-creation would be an advantage.
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Innovative solutions could include: –
- The application of existing digital technology solutions that operate in a different sector/environment currently.
- Development of a bespoke tool that meets the needs of the challenge.
Out of Scope
- Cannot evidence engagement with potential future customers to understand needs.
- Cannot evidence how a proposal will generate a positive impact on wellbeing.
- Fails to consider affordability & practicality of widespread implementation.
- Fails to address stakeholder/public engagement.
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A briefing event was held at 10:00 (GMT) on Monday 4th November 2024. Please see the video recording and slides from the Briefing Event at the link below.
If you would like help to find a project partner, you are welcome to contact Innovate UK Business Connect’s Infrastructure or Net Zero teams.
Related programme
Contracts for Innovation
Enabling innovators to work directly with the public sector to develop new technologies and processes.