|
Pontypridd is changing for the better day by day – and the positive impact a succession of regeneration projects is having on the town is there for all to see.
As the new phase of regeneration work re-commences following the Christmas period, it is also an opportunity to reflect on all of the many achievements of 2011.
Pontypridd is benefiting from its largest cash injection of £10.5million thanks to Rhondda Cynon Taf Council securing financial support from the Welsh Government through the European Regional Development Fund and Targeted Match Funding, alongside Council and private sector contributions.. The financial package is being delivered alongside a whole host of private sector investment programmes, which means that overall a £75million master plan is transforming Pontypridd.
Throughout 2011 the remodeling of the street scene in Taff Street, High Street, Church Street and Mill Street took place in a phased approach to avoid seriously impacting on local traders. This has allowed contractors, Costain, to work in several areas simultaneously and following consultation with businesses, reduce the effect the work is potentially having on trade.
High quality granite materials have now been introduced in many sections of the shopping thoroughfare, and transformed areas in Mill Street and Church Street give a clear indication of how outstanding the streetscape will be once completed.
The overhaul of Penuel Square is underway with progress already made in the vicinity of the Fountain which will be fully restored at the site. In recognition of the achievements so far, Costain has also won a prestigious Considerate Constructor’s Award for its work in Pontypridd Town Centre.
Another aspect of the improvement works has seen the project offer grants to private sector property owners to carry out high quality improvements to the internal and external parts of their business premises. More than 70 property owners have approached the Council for information regarding this opportunity and to date two properties have completed their impressive refurbishment plans which have resulted in additional employment opportunities in the locality. Further projects are now at the planning stages, and set to commence in 2012.
Other achievements include the unveiling of the Pontypridd Roll of Honour War Memorial in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park following a year of fundraising by Rhondda Cynon Taf and Pontypridd Town Councils. Also the town’s regeneration scheme documentary, created by media4schools and Pontypridd High School students recently won Best Regeneration Film Award in Cardiff.
The work in Pontypridd comes alongside the redevelopment of the Taff Vale Shopping Precinct, which has now been demolished and a new Riverside Shopping Centre will soon be under construction.
A £130,000 refurbishment project of Pontypridd Museum has been completed along with a £2million restoration of the Pontypridd train station canopy. Work on the £50million Sainsburys development of the Brown Lenox site has also commenced with the frame of the new store already in place.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Safer Communities Cllr Paul Cannon said, “The achievements of 2011 are many and prove the exemplary work being undertaken in Pontypridd which is literally transforming the town centre into an attractive destination fit for the 21st century.
“Many key milestones have already been reached and visitors to Pontypridd cannot fail but be impressed by the sheer quantity and quality of improvements taking place. This is undoubtedly the largest investment programme ever witnessed by the popular market town and we have much to look forward to.
”Throughout 2012 many more phases will be completed both by ourselves and the private investors who have also recognised the economic potential of Pontypridd. Exciting times lie ahead and together we have the ability to make a positive, lasting impact on this famous Welsh town.”
As agreed with traders, town centre regeneration work was suspended over the Christmas period to allow shoppers a clear thoroughfare for them to purchase the many gifts on offer. Work has continued at Penuel Lane where good progress has been made with paving and new surfacing.
From Tuesday, January 3rd the Council’s contractors will recommence their phased work by focusing on Taff Street, High Street the Church Street junction with Gelliwastad Road and Market Street. The transformation of Penuel Square will also continue with the restoration of the Fountain.
Also from January 3, the Circular Bus Service (No. 99) will be changing back to its revised route. Buses will operate via Penuel Lane and Gelliwastad Road instead of the lower part of Taff Street and High Street. They will serve Bus Stop E1 on Gelliwastad Road instead of the stop outside HSBC Bank. The timetable remains unchanged.
Both Sainsburys and Riverside Shopping Centre are set to be completed in 2012 and the refurbishment of the train station will continue.
Tom Kenyon, Project Manager for Costain said, “I am pleased to report we have made good progress in Penuel Lane during the pre-Christmas period and will be recommencing our town centre works programme on the 3rd January. We are extremely grateful for the support we have received to date and will be working very closely with the local businesses in the new year to maintain regular deliveries and safe access to the stores.”
|
