Preparatory work has been completed a week ahead of schedule in Pontypridd town centre as part of the £10.5million regeneration scheme.
Investigative works on underground utilities in Mill Street have been completed successfully and a week earlier than the time-frame to ensure there is no disruption during the Christmas shopping period.
Pontypridd’s shopping streetscape will undergo a total overhaul following Rhondda Cynon Taf Council securing 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.
The first phase of preparatory works undertaken by the Council’s contractor Costain in Mill Street consisted of the investigation of underground utilities and involved the closure of the road. This work was deemed critical and will assist next years streetscape works in terms of delivering on time with minimum disruption to those who work, visit and shop in the town centre.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Emergency Planning and Customer Care Cllr Andrew Morgan explained, “The preparatory work in Mill Street has been completed successfully and will allow us a positive start to the first phase of streetscape regeneration at the start of 2011.
“We hope that traders and visitors alike will begin to realise that at long last we can deliver a regeneration package that will help make Pontypridd a major destination for the 21st century.
“With the completion of the preparatory works, the public can finally see for themselves that the scheme is indeed going ahead ”
John Lee, Project Manager for Costain said: “We’re pleased this element of the work is complete and are extremely grateful to the local traders in Mill Street for their cooperation and support and are looking to starting the project in the New Year. ”
