Caerphilly County Borough Council has this week endorsed a key document, which will act as a framework for future regeneration of Risca town centre and surrounding areas.
Risca and Pontymister is identified as a ‘Principal Town’ in the council’s Local Development Plan, which states that ‘Risca/Pontymister is a main centre for services in this district’. It goes on to say how ‘the possibility exists to restructure the town centre and attract inward investment and improve the attractiveness of the area to residents and visitors alike’.
The new Action Plan will act as supplementary planning guidance to the Local Development Plan.
The Town Centre Action Plan has a number of additional main purposes, including to expand the potential for the town to benefit from its proximity to a number of key natural assets, such as the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal and Cwmcarn Forest, as well as to provide evidence and a framework for funding bids to deliver the proposals contained within the action plan.
Cllr Ken James, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Sustainable Development said: “With its key strategic location on the A467 and its railway links to Cardiff, Newport and beyond, Risca and Pontymister has the potential to be marketed as a real destination of choice for future inward investment to the town. This comprehensive action plan will go a long way towards providing a framework for any future regeneration of the town, as well as supporting bids for grant aid in achieving the actions contained within the plan.”
Members adopted the Risca and Pontymister Town Centre Action Plan during a Council meeting on Tuesday 10th June.
