RCT Council has confirmed it is currently considering development options for several vacant buildings on Taff Street, as part of its regeneration strategy for Pontypridd – including the former Marks and Spencer building.
Cabinet will consider a report on Monday, November 15, which provides a progress update on important regeneration schemes across Pontypridd town centre. These were included in a regeneration framework for the town (‘Pivotal Pontypridd – Delivering Growth’) in 2017, when it was identified as one of five Strategic Opportunity Areas due to its potential for economic development.
The Cabinet report notes what has been achieved so far (including the Town Centre Regeneration Programme, Llys Cadwyn, Lido Ponty, Pontypridd Railway Station and Ynysangharad Park Footbridge), as well as a number of progress updates relating to ongoing schemes (including the Pontypridd YMCA, Muni Arts Centre, the former Bingo Hall site and Cwrt yr Orsaf).
Also included in the report is an update on 96-99a and 100-102 Taff Street, the buildings formerly occupied by Marks and Spencer, Dorothy Perkins and Burtons. The report notes that the buildings were acquired by the Council in March 2021, in a joint investment with Welsh Government.
It adds that the Council is currently considering development options for the site, with the properties set to be incorporated into a town centre regeneration development aimed at delivering significant tangible benefits to the town and surrounding area.
The report highlights that a new masterplan for the town is nearing completion with a view to it replacing the 2017-2022 regeneration framework.
Cabinet Members could agree for further reports to be brought forward in the New Year, including detailed proposals for the Bingo Hall site, future options for the M&S/Burtons and Dorothy Perkins site, and setting out the details of the draft masterplan for the town. The report will also set out detailed arrangements for community engagement on all these proposals.
Councillor Robert Bevan, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Housing, said: “The report to Cabinet on Monday outlines the huge progress that has been made in recent years within our regeneration strategy for Pontypridd – from delivering Lido Ponty, Llys Cadwyn and the new Ynysangharad Park footbridge, to name just a few.
“There is also an equally big list of schemes which are either making progress or are earmarked for the future. These range from the Pontypridd Bingo Hall site which has been demolished for a future development, to the Pontypridd YMCA which is due to open its doors in early 2022, the Cwrt yr Orsaf Extra Care facility in Graig which has recently welcomed its first residents, and the Muni Arts Centre redevelopment which has now secured £5.3m funding.
“The Council has also acquired the former Marks and Spencer, Dorothy Perkins and Burtons buildings, located in the commercial core of Pontypridd Town Centre. Thanks to support from Welsh Government in acquiring these buildings, they now provide yet another exciting development opportunity for the town and, if Cabinet agrees on Monday, a further report will be brought forward in the New Year to outline future options for the site.”
