Pontypridd is set to benefit from its largest cash injection thanks to Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.

By securing support from the Welsh Assembly Government and Convergence, Rhondda Cynon Taf is set to deliver a regeneration scheme worth £10.5M which will enhance the town centre.

The funding will support a major remodelling of the street scene in and around Taff Street, High Street, Market Street, Church Street and Mill Street. The funding boost will also support grants to private sector property owners to carry our high quality improvements to the internal and external parts of their business premises.

Welcoming the scheme, County Borough Councillor Russell Roberts, Leader of the Council said: “This is tremendous news for Pontypridd. My Cabinet Colleagues and I have been lobbying the Assembly Government long and hard to support our funding package and I am personally delighted that they have recognised the strategic importance of Pontypridd.

“I would like to publicly thank the Finance Minister Jane Hutt AM for providing the Targeted Match Funding, which will allow our ambitious proposals to become a reality.

“This is probably the biggest funding project Pontypridd has ever seen and it has the potential to transform the town centre.

“We have too many doubters, all too quick to criticise and do down Pontypridd. Instead, alongside the local AM and MP, I have been proactively working to demonstrate that Pontypridd has a very positive future.

“This funding announcement will deliver improvements which will ensure Pontypridd remains as a major shopping destination in the South Wales Valleys.

“Work will quickly begin, as we have been working long and hard in anticipation of a positive outcome to our bid for support from the Welsh Assembly Government and European Funding.

“Our outline proposals have already received positive feedback from residents and shoppers. A public exhibition to outline the plans will be held soon where we will share our proposals.

“This £10.5M, along with other projects in the pipeline is set to deliver real change for Pontypridd.”

Announcing the funding Business Minister Jane Hutt said: "This investment demonstrates how we are maximising every pound of EU funding to deliver lasting benefits by improving facilities and increasing employment opportunities which will drive forward economic prosperity across the region."

The town centre regeneration scheme is backed by the European Regional Development Fund, Targeted Match Fund through the Welsh Assembly Government. In addition, over £2m of funding will be provided by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and private sources.

The Scheme was officially announced by Council Leader Russell Roberts and Assembly Finance Minister Jane Hutt in Pontypridd town centre on Monday (9^th August).