Work has begun to transform one of Bridgend town centre’s oldest and most historic streets.
Property owners HD Ltd, in partnership with Bridgend County Borough Council, plus The Heritage Lottery Fund, Cadw and the Welsh Assembly Government are working to build on the historic interest of the site.
The original heart of the town, it has great historical significance with a group of Grade II listed buildings at its centre.
The Elder Yard project will conserve important buildings while creating an imaginative, innovative and high quality development incorporating areas to eat and meet.
Initial plans include opportunities for a quality restaurant-style development and a green public open space, while Phase II of the Elder Yard development will see the restoration of the Victoria Inn back to a traditional town centre public house, the regeneration of 3 Cross Street (formerly Conti’s Café) and the introduction of a number of new retail units.
Deputy Leader David Sage said: “The Elder Yard development will make a huge contribution to the ongoing regeneration of Bridgend town centre. The council and its partners are passionate about improving the quality of the built environment for the citizens of Bridgend County Borough.
“This is a really exciting project, and I think residents will enjoy seeing its progress. Many people will remember Elder Yard in its heyday when it really formed the heart of the town centre. I look forward to seeing this historic street take its rightful place in Bridgend again.”
HD Limited Director, Nick Hegarty added: “We are very conscious that Elder Yard has been derelict for many years and are delighted that works have now finally commenced.
“Our aim is to respectfully restore existing buildings of historic merit but also to provide an attractive public space for people to enjoy.”
The project offers an exceptional commercial opportunity, with direct pedestrian links from the surrounding main shopping streets, Adare Street, Caroline Street, Wyndham Street, Dunraven Place and Cross Street.
Elder Yard is located within the Bridgend town centre conservation area, and is the critical project within the award-winning Bridgend Town Centre Townscape Heritage Initiative Phase I which will finish in 2010.
A bid is currently taking place for the second phase of the initiative in order to continue the work to reinstate buildings in Dunraven Place, Market Street and Wyndham Street.
If the bid is successful a further £1.6m fund will be used to improve properties in the eligible area until 2015.
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