A new Visitors’ Centre is being opened in Pontypridd for residents and visitors to the county borough to learn more about the massive £10.5million Regeneration Scheme being developed in the town centre.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s contractors Costain Ltd are establishing offices in the town centre where plans, specifications, paving product and programmes of work can be viewed.
From February 16th a Visitors’ Centre at 7/10 Church Street will be open every Wednesday from 1pm to 5.30pm weekly. The public can come along to view the development of the project and learn more about the scheme from those officers who are responsible for its completion.
There will also be the opportunity for local traders to learn more about the Townscape Enhancement Programme, which provides the opportunity for commercial property owners in the town to take advantage of a new funding scheme with a contribution of up to 70% towards property enhancements potentially available.
The Council has also established a helpline for all enquiries relating to the landmark project, along with a dedicated website which can be found at www.loveponty.com.
The Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Safer Communities Cllr Paul Cannon said: “The opening of a Visitors’ Centre is imperative in a scheme of such proportions as this. The Pontypridd Town Centre Regeneration Project will take more than two years to implement through a series of phased works throughout the main thoroughfare.
”In doing so, residents, traders and visitors alike will undoubtedly want to know more about the development of the project and how we strive to minimize the impact our work will be on the day-to-day workings of the town centre.
“Visitors will be able to view for themselves the extent of these exciting plans, the types of paving and stone products we’ll be using, the specifications and of course the schedule of works itself. With officers from Costain on hand to answer their queries, the weekly opening of the Centre will undoubtedly prove a popular opportunity to find out more about the biggest regeneration scheme ever carried out in Pontypridd.”
Pontypridd’s shopping streetscape will undergo a total transformation 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 Fund, as well as Council and private sector contributions.
On February 14th 2011 Costain will begin the first phase of construction work in Mill Street. The regeneration of the streetscape will revitalise the currently outdated town centre, introducing attractive high quality granite paving, complemented by new street furniture including benches, lighting, and litter bins that are of a quality fitting for a 21st Century town centre.
The activity will initially take place in Mill Street, with the work commencing in the centre section of Taff Street and High Street a few weeks later. Further areas of the town centre will be revitalised throughout the next two years.
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.
