Wrexham, Cardiff, and a north-south Wales rivalry that is about more than just football – The Athletic – The New York Times

Report on Regional Disparities and Sustainable Development in Wales

Introduction: Addressing SDG 10 Through Regional Investment

An analysis of socio-economic dynamics in Wales reveals significant regional disparities, particularly between the north and south. These inequalities, which contravene the principles of Sustainable Development Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities), have been historically evident in the distribution of infrastructure, cultural institutions, and economic investment. This report examines the Wrexham Gateway Project as a case study in addressing these disparities, aligning with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through targeted urban and community development.

Historical Context: The North-South Divide and Institutional Response

Advocacy for Equitable Development

In 2017, representatives from the then fan-owned Wrexham AFC presented a case to the Welsh Assembly (Senedd) for financial assistance to redevelop the Racecourse Ground. This initiative highlighted a critical imbalance in national resource allocation, a direct challenge to achieving SDG 10. The evidence presented focused on two key areas of inequality:

1. Infrastructure and Major Venues: A geographical analysis demonstrated that all major international sporting events were hosted in South Wales, concentrated along the M4 motorway corridor connecting Cardiff and Swansea. This infrastructural focus effectively excluded North Wales from hosting such events, limiting associated economic and social benefits.
2. Cultural and Heritage Assets: The distribution of national museums was shown to be overwhelmingly concentrated in the south, further marginalizing the north east Wales region in terms of cultural investment and access, which is a key component of SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

With North Wales accounting for a significant portion of the national population (687,000 in the 2011 census), the appeal underscored the urgent need for a “levelling-up” strategy to ensure equitable development and build strong, inclusive institutions (SDG 16).

The Wrexham Gateway Project: A Multi-faceted Approach to Sustainable Development

Fostering Sustainable Cities and Economic Growth (SDG 11 & SDG 8)

The subsequent approval and commencement of the Wrexham Gateway Project, partly funded by the Welsh Government, represents a significant institutional response to these long-standing inequalities. The project is a multi-stakeholder partnership (SDG 17) aimed at comprehensive urban regeneration.

• Core Infrastructure Development: The construction of a new Kop stand at the Racecourse Ground is the cornerstone of the project. This development not only enhances the sporting infrastructure but also acts as a catalyst for wider community revitalisation, contributing to SDG 11 by making the city more inclusive and sustainable.
• Economic Impact: The project is expected to stimulate the local economy by creating employment opportunities and attracting further investment, thereby promoting decent work and economic growth (SDG 8) in a historically underserved region.
• Cultural and Social Impact: By restoring a historic venue to international standards, the project enhances local cultural identity and community well-being (SDG 3). The increased media profile of Wrexham AFC, driven by new ownership, has further amplified the region’s voice, encouraging more balanced national attention.

Football as a Microcosm of Regional Dynamics

Symbolism of the Wrexham-Cardiff Rivalry

The football rivalry between Wrexham (representing the north) and Cardiff City (representing the south) serves as a potent symbol of the wider socio-economic divide. Perceptions among North Wales residents have historically included:

• A sense of being “poor relations” to the capital, Cardiff.
• Disproportionate travel burdens to attend national sporting events.
• Marginalisation by national media outlets in favour of southern clubs.

The recent resurgence of Wrexham AFC has begun to shift this dynamic, demonstrating how investment in local institutions can challenge and reduce regional inequalities (SDG 10). The upcoming Carabao Cup match between the two clubs is not merely a sporting contest but a reflection of this evolving narrative of regional identity and the ongoing pursuit of equitable development across Wales.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The article primarily addresses issues related to regional inequality, infrastructure development, and cultural heritage, which connect to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

   • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: The central theme of the article is the “north-south divide” in Wales. It highlights the disparity in investment, infrastructure, and cultural recognition between North Wales and South Wales. The article explicitly mentions the need for “levelling-up,” which directly aligns with the goal of reducing inequalities within a country.
   • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: The discussion revolves around the lack of international-standard sporting infrastructure in the north compared to the south, which is linked by the “M4 motorway that links the port cities of Cardiff and Swansea.” The “Wrexham Gateway Project” and the construction of a “new Kop stand” are specific examples of infrastructure development aimed at addressing this imbalance and fostering regional economic development.
   • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The article focuses on urban and regional development in Wrexham. The effort to restore the Racecourse Ground as an “international venue” and the broader “Wrexham Gateway Project” are initiatives to make the city more inclusive and culturally significant. The complaint about the lack of “major museums” in North East Wales also relates to safeguarding cultural heritage and ensuring equitable access to cultural institutions for all communities.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   Based on the issues discussed, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

   • Target 10.2: “By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all…” The article details how North Wales feels socially and economically excluded, citing examples like “all international games being played down south” and historical media neglect. The Wrexham project is an effort to promote the inclusion of the region in the national cultural and sporting landscape.
   • Target 9.1: “Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.” The article contrasts the well-developed infrastructure in the south (symbolized by the M4 motorway) with the needs of the north. The “Wrexham Gateway Project,” partly funded by the Welsh Government, is a direct action towards developing quality regional infrastructure to ensure more equitable access to opportunities.
   • Target 11.4: “Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.” The restoration of the historic Racecourse Ground and the concern over the geographical concentration of “the nation’s major museums” in the south reflect a desire to protect, safeguard, and provide equitable access to cultural heritage sites across the entire nation, not just in one region.
   • Target 11.a: “Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning.” The article describes a long-term effort, starting in 2017, to appeal to the Senedd (Parliament) for funding. The resulting “Wrexham Gateway Project” is a clear example of regional development planning intended to correct a historical imbalance and strengthen the social and economic standing of North Wales.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   The article implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress:

   • Indicator for Target 10.2 (Implied): Proportional distribution of public investment in cultural and sporting infrastructure across regions. The article uses the location of “all international sport” venues and “major museums” as a baseline indicator of inequality. Progress could be measured by tracking the amount of government funding, like that for the “Wrexham Gateway Project,” allocated to different regions.
   • Indicator for Target 9.1 (Implied): Number and capacity of international-standard venues. The article points out the lack of such venues in the north. The completion of the “new Kop stand” and the upgrading of the Racecourse Ground would be a measurable outcome indicating progress in developing quality regional infrastructure.
   • Indicator for Target 11.4 (Implied): Geographic distribution of national cultural institutions. The article uses the fact that “none [of the nation’s major museums] in north east Wales” as an indicator of disparity. The establishment of new, government-recognized cultural sites in the north would be a clear measure of progress.
   • Indicator for Target 10.2 / 11.a (Implied): Regional population data versus resource allocation. The article cites the “2011 government census” showing “687,000 people living in north Wales” to argue for the “levelling-up” of investment, implying that per capita access to publicly funded facilities is a key metric for measuring equitable development.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article. In this table, list the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), their corresponding targets, and the specific indicators identified in the article.

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators (Mentioned or Implied in the Article)
   SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities	Target 10.2: Promote social and economic inclusion.	Distribution of public investment in cultural and sporting infrastructure (e.g., funding for the “Wrexham Gateway Project”). Geographic location of national sporting events and media coverage. Resource allocation relative to regional population figures (e.g., 687,000 people in North Wales).
   SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure	Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, and resilient regional infrastructure.	Investment in new infrastructure projects (e.g., the “new Kop stand”). Number and capacity of international-standard venues in different regions. Presence of major transport infrastructure (e.g., the M4 motorway) serving specific regions.
   SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard cultural heritage. Target 11.a: Strengthen national and regional development planning.	Geographic distribution of national cultural institutions (e.g., “major museums”). Public funding allocated to the preservation and development of historic cultural sites (e.g., the Racecourse Ground). Implementation of government-backed regional development schemes (e.g., the “Wrexham Gateway Project”).

Source: nytimes.com