Maesteg Market’s outdoor area is set to benefit from a £2.5m revamp following a funding boost from the Welsh Assembly Government.
The revamp forms part of Bridgend County Borough Council’s ongoing regeneration of Maesteg town centre and will be based on proposals which were revealed to market traders, businesses and local residents at public consultation events carried out last year. Feedback from the events has been analysed and further consultation will be carried out.
The plans incorporate a fresh new design for the outdoor market area, including new market buildings and improvements to the nearby bus station waiting area.
At the heart of the project will be the establishment of a new focal point for the community – an area of public space where people can meet and socialise and which will be suitable for hosting local events and visiting markets.
The £2.2m Assembly Government funding boost includes support from the European Regional Development Fund and the Western Valleys Regeneration Area Fund. Additional funding has been provided by Bridgend County Borough Council.
Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration, Jocelyn Davies AM said: ”This investment will help to recreate the heart of Maesteg as a place where people can live, work and thrive. I am delighted that through our management of EU funds we can support this project which will breathe new life into the area, increase confidence of potential investors and provide further economic and social opportunities for local communities.”
The project will seek to make the outdoor market more accessible by improving its links with the rest of the town centre and creating an integrated transport hub between the railway and bus stations. It will also introduce attractive landscaping, public artwork and high-quality street furniture.
As the market is located within the Maesteg town centre conservation area, the project will enhance the local distinctiveness and character of the town centre’s architecture while complimenting nearby buildings with listed status, such as Maesteg Town Hall and the Maesteg Town Council offices.
At the same time, the Maesteg Townscape Heritage Initiative will continue to run alongside the phase four regeneration plans to offer local businesses an opportunity to access grant funding which can be used to carry out restoration work to their premises.
It follows the recent approval of a £9m regeneration EU-backed funding package for Bridgend town centre and a £2m approval for work at Porthcawl Harbour.
Council Leader Mel Nott said:
“This is fantastic news for the community of Maesteg. The phase four regeneration plans will strengthen the town centre’s commercial competitiveness and make it more attractive for investors, shoppers and visitors.
“It will provide a new focus for local independent retailing, help safeguard existing jobs and businesses and act as a catalyst for further improvements, the benefits of which will be most welcome during the current economic climate.”
Councillor John Spanswick, Cabinet Member for Communities, said:
“Both the phase four regeneration plans and our ongoing townscape heritage initiative programme demonstrate the commitment of Bridgend County Borough Council and the Welsh Assembly Government towards conservation-led regeneration.
“This scheme has been eagerly anticipated by market traders and will be a huge boost for the local community. It is especially impressive when you consider that it is being delivered at a time when many regeneration projects in other parts of the UK are slowing down or stopping altogether.”
