Aberdare shop and business properties are set to benefit from Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s securing of a £7.7m funding package for the regeneration of the town centre.
One of the major components of the regeneration work is the Aberdare Townscape Enhancement Programme (TEP), which offers the owners of eligible town centre properties support towards the cost of significant improvements totheir premises and to bring vacant properties back into use.
This programme will be administered by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council as part of the far-reaching regeneration of Aberdare, and will be funded using the streams that have enabled the £7.7m investment.
The Council announced at the end of November that Aberdare had secured a £7.7m investment package, including monies from the Welsh Assembly Government through the European Regional Development Fund, Heads of the Valleys Programme and the Targeted Match Fund. The remainder of the funding package is provided by Rhondda Cynon Taf, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Cadw and the private sector.
Eligible owners, tenants, businesses or community groups can apply for up to 70 per cent of the cost of works to improve the physical appearance of their buildings, up to a maximum of £50,000 (exc VAT) or £100,000 (exc VAT) for exceptional projects.
The support will enable works to take place on individual properties in line with the wider effort to regenerate Aberdare town centre overall, including new streetscape, paving, access and more.
It is hoped that by working together with town centre businesses and landlords, the benefit of the significant investment package Aberdare has been secured, will be strengthened.
As well as securing a regenerated town centre in which to operate, businesses will have a chance to benefit by also enhancing their properties, attracting new custom and additional investment.
The Programme will run in conjunction with the important Aberdare Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) scheme which is attracting over £2m investment as part of the town centre regeneration to protect, restore and celebrate the historic nature of the town centre, bringing buildings back to life by offering financial support to business and property owners.
TEP will offer grants to enable the physical enhancement of commercial properties currently in use, as well as the refurbishment and re-use of vacant buildings.
Works undertaken must be of a high standard and respect the conservation status awarded to the town.
Works to the external appearance of a building will be given priority, but the Council will also consider internal works if it assists the sustainability of a building or business, or brings floor space into use.
Cllr Paul Cannon, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Safer Communities, said: “The securing of nearly £8m for Aberdare is a significant coup for the Council and the town centre.
“The investment will enable the delivery of far-reaching regeneration works to ensure Aberdare remains a safe, attractive and vibrant place in which to live, work and visit.
“Alongside the commitment to invest in Aberdare to create a town centre fit for the future is the focus on celebrating, preserving and restoring its history and heritage, which is a unique feature.
“We are so pleased to have secured the money that enables us to do this and want to share this opportunity with town centre traders and businesses via the Townscape Enhancement Programme.
“It will enable people to secure assistance towards the cost of improving their own premises so they, too, can take advantage of the regeneration package.”
To check eligibility of your property, contact Kerry Vicker in the Regeneration and Planning Division on 01443 495150 or email [email protected]
