Major funding for the £10.5m scheme to revitalise Pontypridd town centre to create a thriving economic and attractive hub for visitors and communities across the Rhondda and Cynon Valleys has been announced by the Welsh Assembly Government.
The Pontypridd Town Centre Regeneration Scheme is to be backed with £8m from the Welsh Assembly Government through the European Regional Development Fund and the Targeted Match Fund, along with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council’s own contribution, to boost the local economy, lever investment, safeguard jobs and create employment opportunities in the retail and business sector.
As part of the scheme, led by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, Taff Street and High Street will undergo a transformation including a makeover of the public realm from new paving to street furniture. Better pedestrian access and traffic management measures will make it easier to get around the town and increase the number of visitors to the area.
Market Street, Church Street and Mill Street will also benefit from improvements and funding of up to £100,000 will be available to businesses under the Townscape Enhancement Scheme to meet up to 70 per cent of the costs of developing and making improvements to commercial properties and shop fronts.
Announcing the funding, Minister for Business and Budget Jane Hutt said:
“This investment demonstrates how we can maximise the impact of every pound of EU funding and add value to projects through the Targeted Match Fund to deliver lasting benefits.
“Together, the funding will help improve facilities and increase employment opportunities to build a high quality environment in which people can live, work and prosper.”
Deputy Minister for Regeneration Jocelyn Davies said:
“Enhancing the overall appearance of Pontypridd will create a better environment for local people, businesses, visitors and potential investors. This scheme will greatly benefit local communities as well as boost residents’ pride in the area and drive forward economic prosperity across the region.”
Councillor Russell Roberts, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, said:
“We are delighted that our exciting plans to regenerate Pontypridd, which we have made one of the Council’s leading objectives, have been supported by the Welsh Assembly Government and the Welsh European Funding Office.
“This substantial investment is an extremely important part of the jigsaw of transforming the town centre, creating a vastly improved shopping and visitor experience in Pontypridd, and returning it to its former status as a leading destination within the South Wales Valleys.”
