Plans to develop a riverside area in Pontypridd, and "open the town towards the river" have been revealed as the former M&S building is set for demolition.
Last month, Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council Cabinet agreed to seek residents’ views on plans which suggest how Pontypridd could look in years to come.
It would follow the existing Pontypridd Regeneration Framework (2017-2022) that has delivered Llys Cadwyn and Cwrt yr Orsaf, and progressed investment for the Pontypridd YMCA, Muni Arts Theatre and Ynysangharad War Memorial Park.
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The Placemaking Plan focuses on several core ambitions for Pontypridd – as a business destination, as a place to live, as a town that is connected and accessible, as a green waterside town and as an area that's inclusive.
It also includes five spatial areas to be the focus of targeted future investment – Southern Gateway, Town Centre Core, Market Quarter, Northern Gateway and Ynysangharad War Memorial Park.
Among the Southern Gateway area are plans to re-develop the former Bingo Hall and Angharad’s Nightclub site, as well as the Marks & Spencer, Dorothy Perkins and Burtons buildings (96-99a and 100-102 Taff Street).
During February’s cabinet meeting, members agreed to the council formally beginning the procurement process in relation to a hotel-led development at the former bingo hall site, with ground floor retail use.
Members also agreed to the council demolishing the buildings at 96-99a and 100-102 Taff Street to allow future redevelopment of the whole site, and to "open the town towards the river".
A map of the plan shows that a "new hotel with retail at lower ground floor" is planned for the site of the former bingo hall, while shops nearby could be modernised and refurbished.
Meanwhile space for independent food and drink businesses are planned near the river, together with a "river plaza" and "river walk."
The plan also states the former Dorothy Perkins building will be re-developed with "retail at ground floor, and mixed use on upper levels." You can view the detailed map here.
Now residents can share their thoughts about the draft Placemaking Plan, which outlines the future regeneration of Pontypridd town centre.
Councillor Robert Bevan, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Housing, said: “At the last Cabinet meeting, members agreed for the council to consult residents over the draft Pontypridd Placemaking Plan, which outlines the next wave of regeneration projects across the town.
"So much has already been achieved in recent times, with the delivery of Llys Cadwyn, the Pontypridd Extra Care facility Cwrt yr Orsaf, a first phase of investment at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, and excellent progress with the Pontypridd YMCA and Muni Arts Centre projects.
“The proposed Placemaking Plan would follow on from the existing Pontypridd Regeneration Framework when it expires this year, to formally set out the council’s vision for the town centre and to bring deliverable timescales for key projects.
"An important aspect in introducing the plan is to inform residents, businesses and other stakeholders about what is proposed, and to gather their views.
"This will allow officers to consider the feedback received, and make any amendments before reporting back to cabinet in the future.
“Residents and businesses can now find out more and have their say on the proposals, specifically relating to the five spatial areas earmarked for future investment.
"Among those are very exciting plans for the former Bingo Hall and Marks & Spencer sites, which represent two key locations in the Southern Gateway area that are proposed for revitalisation.
"A masterplan of draft proposals for these sites is included within the consultation documents.
“I’d urge everyone interested in finding out more about what is proposed across Pontypridd town centre to take part in the consultation.
"It is important that we gain as many views as possible, as it will inform the framework for investment in Pontypridd for years to come. You can take part by visiting the Let’s Talk website, or meeting officers in the town during upcoming events.”
The council has now started the consultation for the wider plan, which will run to Tuesday, March 29 at 5pm.
Hosted by the council’s Let’s Talk engagement website, residents can view the Placemaking Plan documents – including a masterplan of the proposed Southern Gateway area. Participants can also contribute to quick polls, an ideas section, and take part in a larger survey.
Officers will also be out and about with the council’s consultation trailer to meet members of the public.
They will be at Mill Street on Wednesday, March 9, and by the tennis courts in the park on Thursday, March 17 between 10am and 2pm.
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