Two members of Bangor’s business and academic community have been appointed to a Welsh Government taskforce looking at the future of town centres across Wales.
Medi Parry-Williams, founder of Bangor-based MPW Making Places Work, and Dr Edward Thomas Jones, Senior Lecturer in Economics at Bangor University, are among the members of the Town Centre Taskforce, which held its first meeting on Thursday, 1 October.
The group will bring together experience from business, academia, local government, regeneration, planning, transport, housing and communities to develop practical recommendations for Welsh Ministers.
Their appointments bring perspectives from Bangor to discussions about how town centres can support businesses, attract investment and meet the changing needs of their communities.
Medi Parry-Williams, founder of Bangor-based MPW Making Places Work
Medi has 18 years’ experience in town centre regeneration, shopping centres and commercial property. Her award-winning business, MPW Making Places Work, works with public, private and third-sector organisations to help places, properties and businesses realise their potential.
She has also served as High Street Data Advisor for Wales with Smart Towns Wales, helping towns and businesses use data to inform decisions. A member of the Institute of Place Management, she brings both strategic and practical experience in regeneration, placemaking and commercial property management.
Dr Edward Thomas Jones, Senior Lecturer in Economics at Bangor University
Dr Jones’s work focuses on regional economic development, the Welsh economy and how investment and local conditions shape economic outcomes.
Alongside his university role, he holds advisory and governance positions across Wales, with experience spanning local and regional economic development, business investment, major infrastructure and public policy.
Before entering academia, he worked in the Irish banking industry, gaining experience in assessing the pricing and risks of property investments and developments.
Medi said: “Having voices from Bangor involved in these discussions is very important, and I’m pleased to have the opportunity to contribute alongside Dr Edward Thomas Jones and fellow Taskforce members.
“Through my work with businesses and communities, I see both the challenges facing our town centres and the opportunities they offer. I look forward to bringing that practical experience to the discussions and helping develop recommendations that support local businesses and the people who use our town centres.”
The Taskforce is jointly chaired by Professor Simon Gibson CBE and Tamsin Ramasut. Its recommendations are expected to be presented to Welsh Ministers in the new year.
Announcing the full membership, Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning Siân Gwenllian said:
“Our town centres are changing. They are not simply places to shop, but places where people live, work, access services, socialise and participate in civic and cultural life.
“The Taskforce begins its work alongside action already being taken by this Government to support our high streets and town centre businesses. Last week, we announced permanent business rates support which, subject to Senedd approval, will see eligible small and medium-sized hospitality and leisure properties receive a 30% reduction in their rates bills from April 2027.
“I am grateful to all those who have agreed to contribute their time and expertise to this work. Their varied perspectives will be important in ensuring the Taskforce reflects the different challenges and opportunities facing town centres across Wales.
“I want the Taskforce to be ambitious but practical. Its purpose is not simply to restate the challenges facing our town centres, but to identify evidence-informed and deliverable recommendations which can help address barriers to their long-term vitality and support their continued evolution. I also want members to challenge Government constructively and help us understand where policy, partnership working or wider system change can make a meaningful difference.”
The full Taskforce membership is available on the Welsh Government website.
