Berw Road Car Park in Pontypridd will close permanently at the end of Thursday, July 30, as preparations begin for the demolition and redevelopment of the former police station and car park site.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has confirmed the closure will pave the way for the next stage of a major regeneration project, which aims to further improve and invest in Pontypridd town centre.
The announcement follows confirmation from South Wales Police and the council that the former Berw Road Police Station will transfer to the local authority after closing at the end of June. South Wales Police has also confirmed plans for a new, visible and accessible policing base on Taff Street.
While final proposals for the redevelopment are still being developed, options being explored include a new public space, a modern replacement car park, improved walking and cycling links, junction improvements at Bridge Street, along with opportunities for residential, commercial and cultural developments.
The latest plans build on a series of regeneration projects already completed across Pontypridd, including Llys Cadwyn, Y Muni, YMa, the Cwrt yr Orsaf extra care development, improvements at the former bingo hall and Marks & Spencer sites, and investment in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park.
Residents and visitors are being reminded to remove all vehicles from Berw Road Car Park before its usual closing time of 7pm on Thursday, July 30. The facility will remain closed from Friday, July 31, with notices being installed throughout the site ahead of the closure.
Alternative council operated parking will remain available across the town centre at Catherine Street, Gas Road (short stay), Millfield Road, Goods Yard and Sardis Road. Together, the five car parks provide more than 1,000 parking spaces and are all within around a five minute walk of Taff Street and Ynysangharad War Memorial Park.
The council is also encouraging people to use public transport, with frequent bus services operating through Pontypridd and improved rail services available via the South Wales Metro.
Closing the car park will allow site preparation work to begin before the land is formally handed over to demolition contractor Prichards during the first week of August. Demolition work is expected to begin from Monday, August 3, with further details on traffic management and any disruption due to be announced shortly.
Councillor Mark Norris, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, said: “The permanent closure of Berw Road Car Park is an important next step as we move forward with the redevelopment of this key town centre site. Today’s announcement of the closure at the end of the day on Thursday, July 30, has been made at the earliest opportunity – giving residents, businesses and visitors advanced notices of the changes. Officers ask that all vehicles are removed by the time of the car park’s usual closing time of 7pm.
“Alternative Council car parking is available right across Pontypridd Town Centre, with more than 1,000 spaces provided across the five remaining local car parks. We also know that many people choose to access the town via public transport, with frequent train and bus services serving the area. We continue to encourage more people to use these services – to help reduce traffic congestion, lower journey times, and protect the environment.
“The Council has significantly invested in Pontypridd – including important buildings being delivered or revitalised at Llys Cadwyn, Y Muni, YMa and the Cwrt yr Orsaf extra care site, plus new public spaces created at the former bingo hall and M&S sites. Important investment has also been delivered at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park. The Berw Road Car Park and police station site presents a further, significant regeneration opportunity – to deliver a scheme making better use of an important location in the heart of the town.”
The demolition phase is being funded through the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme, while funding for future stages of the redevelopment will be considered as proposals progress.
South Wales Police has confirmed policing services in Pontypridd will continue throughout the redevelopment. Officers will continue responding to emergency and non emergency incidents, while neighbourhood policing teams will remain active in the area.
Until the new Pontypridd police station opens, anyone wishing to speak to officers in person can visit Talbot Green Police Station, where the public front desk is open from 9am to 5pm, seven days a week.
