Residents and businesses in Mountain Ash town centre will shortly receive a letter outlining upcoming work to demolish two buildings in Oxford Street – to enable significant future improvements at Rhos Square.
Known locally as Guto Square, the area will be developed under the Mountain Ash Town Centre Regeneration Framework – which incorporates several future projects including a new Primary Care Centre, an Extra Care Facility and the redevelopment of 1-4 Oxford Buildings. Canolfan Pennar Community Hub was also delivered under the Framework, opening its doors in June 2019.
Planning permission for the Rhos Square development was granted in April 2019. It will increase short-stay parking provision at Henry Street North Car Park, improve the visual appearance of the area and enable the area to be utilised more flexibly for future events and activities.
To facilitate the square’s redevelopment, two buildings (37 and 39 Oxford Street) must be demolished – along with the derelict land next to the public toilets. A four-week demolition phase will begin in the week commencing Monday, January 11, 2021, to prepare the site for the subsequent future construction phase.
The Council has appointed Bond Demolition Ltd as the contractor responsible for delivering this initial phase of work. Weekday site activity will take place from 8am to 5pm, while some weekend work may be needed. Information is being shared with local businesses and residents via letter this week, including how they can contact the contractor before and during the work.
The work is not expected to cause much inconvenience, though machinery will be used and there will be lorry movements to and from the site. The Friday market will be relocated to Henry Street South car park during this period. All work will be carried out in adherence to the latest social distancing guidance.
Councillor Robert Bevan, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Housing, said: “The development of Guto Square is an exciting project within the wider Regeneration plan for Mountain Ash town centre, with the Framework receiving approval from Cabinet in January 2019. It aims to bring together a series of investment projects for the town. Canolfan Pennar has been successfully delivered and is an excellent example of services being brought together for residents’ convenience.
“The future work at Guto Square will improve what is an important focal point within the town – by renovating existing public facilities, bringing derelict land back into use and providing a pleasant area for future events and the weekly market to be held. The statue of Guto Nyth Bran will continue to be proudly located in this area. The work will also increase the parking provision serving the town, which remains free and is aimed at boosting footfall and trade.
“The Council is communicating details of the upcoming demolition work, in advance of site activity starting in the New Year – with local residents and businesses being contacted via letter this week. I’d like to thank town centre visitors for their cooperation in advance, as the Council carries out this important preparation work for the improvement of Guto Square in the future.”
