Pontypridd’s landmark regeneration scheme has kicked off to a flying start.
Pontypridd’s town centre is undergoing total transformation after Rhondda Cynon Taf Council secured a £10.5 million funding package with substantial investment from Welsh Assembly Government through the European Regional Development Fund and Targeted Match Funding, as well as Council and private sector contributions.
On February 14th 2011 the Council’s contractor, Costain began the first phase of construction work in Mill Street, an important milestone in transformation of Pontypridd town centre.
To mark the occasion, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Cllr Russell Roberts joined Pontypridd MP Owen Smith at the commencement of the work, alongside fellow councillors Paul Cannon, Cabinet Member for Economic Development & Safer Communities and Andrew Morgan, Cabinet Member for Transport, Customer Care & Emergency Planning
Pontypridd RFC has also thrown its weight behind the regeneration project which will bring widespread benefits to the whole of the town. At the launch of the scheme local rugby hero Dale McIntosh joined special guests to officially “kick off” the work.
Cllr Roberts said: “This day has indeed been a long time coming, but with £10.5million of funding secured, we can at last deliver improvements which will ensure Pontypridd once more becomes a major shopping destination in the South Wales Valleys.
“Many of us remember the heyday of this popular market town when crowds of people would come from far and wide to enjoy the many facilities on offer. Thanks to this cash injection and with the full support of traders and businesses alike, we can work together to recreate those days once more. The time has come for us to work as one for the better of Pontypridd.
“The physical enhancement of Pontypridd town centre should increase confidence in the town, and the number of visitors. This would not only enhance local pride in Pontypridd, but also attract new businesses and create more job opportunities for local people.
“Thanks to the collective efforts of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and partner organisations, we are determined to transform Pontypridd in to a vibrant, attractive visitor’s destination for the 21st century. Never before has Pontypridd enjoyed so much investment. Together we can make those changes.”
The regeneration scheme will include a complete refurbishment of the public realm, with new paving, high quality street furniture and lighting, and attractive features, creating an entirely new vibrant image of the town centre. Regeneration improvements will stretch the length of Taff Street, Market Street, High Street, Mill Street and Church Street.
Paved areas in the town will also be widened, creating a more desirable town centre which people can use and enjoy. Additionally key public spaces will be developed which will ensure significant spaces such as Penuel square are enhanced and maintained as areas of focus.
Each section is likely to take up to six months to complete and every effort will be made to maintain safe access to the shops and business premises as the work progresses.
