Selection of Localities
The locality research programme is undertaking research in and across four localities during the first phase. These localities were chosen to reflect the diversity of territories, places, scales, and networks in contemporary Wales. The four localities also give contrasting insights into the imagined geographies and area visions of the Wales Spatial Plan. For the practicalities of research, and also due to bounded territories often not corresponding with the ‘fuzzy boundaries’ of the Wales Spatial Plan, ‘core’ towns and cities have often driven our approach to the empirical research.
The Aberystwyth research team is examining the Central and West Coast Locality, which is a geographical area extending from the Cambrian coast and its hinterlands from North Pembrokeshire to Aberystwyth and into Ceredigion. Corresponding with the Central Wales Spatial Plan Area, the economic drivers are the administrative and service centres of Aberystwyth, Haverfordwest and Llandrindod Wells.
The Bangor research team is examining localities that are embedded in cross-border networks and movements along the A55 corridor itself, and beyond. This corresponds with both the North West and North East Spatial Plan Area. Three micro-localities are also informing research: Wrexham (as it is just beyond the A55), the Isle of Anglesey (topographically detached and topologically connected), and Arfon (in Gwynedd and noted for its multiple deprivation).
The Cardiff research team is concerned with the Heads of the Valleys, and the recent definition of this in the ‘Turning Heads’ regeneration initiative, thus encompassing five South Wales local authorities, two fully (Blaenau Gwent and Merthyr Tydfil) and three partly (Rhondda Cynon Taff, Caerphilly, and Torfaen). ‘Local Knowledge in Context’ (KLIC), research is taking place in Rhondda Cynon Taff and in Cardiff City Centre (see below). The South East Spatial Plan Area sets a context for these projects.
Locality research will also focus on Cardiff in time, enabling the LRP to examine and explore the city as a set of social and spatial relations, and in dialogue with ‘other’ localities.
