Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Members have approved a complete Business Plan for submission to the Welsh European Funding Office to secure a £22million package for the regeneration of Pontypridd.

The Cabinet overwhelmingly supported the application for funding under the Valleys Convergence Programme to help transform Pontypridd into a major destination for the 21^st century.

If successful, the Convergence Funding will be divided into two phases of work. The first phase will see major improvements to the streetscape of Pontypridd as part of a public realm scheme comprising 11,000m2 of road, footway and public space improvements. This scheme will see the introduction o new high quality materials to create an attractive and durable town centre.

It will also include Commercial Property Improvement Grants support, to create visually attractive properties within the town centre which will complement the improvements being carried out to the public realm. Overall this will increase confidence in the town and encourage private sector investment which in turn will lead to local employment opportunities, attract more people to the town and create a vibrant economic centre.

The second phase of works, which require further development, includes the restoration of the Grade II listed lido in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park as a modern and highly attractive facility, unique in South Wales.

Also included in Phase 2 are the proposed infrastructure and access improvements in the town. This will help improve pedestrian and cycle routes as well as better access for public transport and car parking facilities.

Further public realm improvements will also be investigated including Gelliwastad Road, William Edwards Square, Broadway and Rail Station and the Riverside Walk.

The nature of works which would be eligibly for Convergence Funding are limited and the four projects put forward have already been discussed with WEFO to confirm their eligibility.

The projects aim to:

• Create a more attractive business and pedestrian environment
• Build confidence in the town among local and external investors
• Increase expenditure in the town by improving the retail experience
• Create flexible spaces to allow a range of activities and events
• Form a reaction and leisure hub encouraging more visitors to the town
• Reduce traffic congestion at key junctions

Is it intended that these projects will provide a catalyst for the longer term regeneration of Pontypridd and help in encouraging private sector investment into the town. They will also play an important role in helping to meet some of the objectives of the overall emerging strategy which are:

• Attract higher paid jobs
• At least maintain the net rate of commuting
• Improve health to increase economic activity rates
• Improve skills to enable access to higher paid jobs and increase economic activity rates
• Improve the standard of existing housing and broaden the mix of housing through new development
• Increase the population that uses the town centre for retail and leisure purposes
• Increase the amount of comparison goods retail floor space
• Increase the amount of business floor space
• Establish a stronger bar / restaurant provision and some hotel space

WEFO will be asked for initial approval to progress with the first phase of works on the Public Realm scheme and Commercial Property Improvement Grants. These are schemes that can be advanced quickly due to advanced works and design having already been undertaken or existing systems are in place to operate the scheme.

Further development work will be required for the second phase of works comprising the lido restoration, infrastructure and access improvements and further public realm works.

The Council has confirmed its commitment to the delivery of the works and will now be seeking confirmation of the match funding from other partners which will be necessary before delivery of the schemes can start.

Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Cllr Russell Roberts said: "The Council welcomes the opportunity which Convergence funding brings in continuing the regeneration of Pontypridd, which is a longstanding commitment of ours.

”The Business Case which has recently been approved by Cabinet outlines a range of major projects that can be taken forward over the next few years.

”The Council has committed to the delivery of the projects and the element of funding identified as coming from us.

”The successful delivery of the projects will depend on other match funding being confirmed and the Council will be working with its partners to ensure this is confirmed as soon as possible. "