The historic market town of Bridgend is set to be transformed following a deal between the private owners of the Rhiw Shopping Centre and Bridgend County Borough Council.
The council has confirmed that it is revisiting its town centre regeneration masterplan as the purchase of the 2.27 acre site from Creative Assets Global Ltd has unlocked exciting new opportunities that were not previously available.
With the potential to establish a new market, retail units, community facilities and additional accommodation at the heart of Bridgend town centre, the huge scope of the project will require the council to work closely alongside public and private sector partners in order to deliver regeneration on a large scale.
The council has also promised that while the new plans are being developed, the Rhiw will continue to operate as a shopping centre, and existing businesses will be consulted on proposals and receive full support through any future developments.
The purchase has been funded using £2.45m from Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns fund, £1.8m from the council’s revenue budget, and just over £1m from the council’s capital programme.
“This deal has the potential to be a game changer for the future of Bridgend town centre, and I am grateful to Welsh Government for helping to fund the purchase of the Rhiw Shopping Centre. “The Rhiw has been an important part of the town centre for more than 50 years, but its future was uncertain after RAAC was detected within the infrastructure of the building – a problem which forced the closure of the indoor market hall for safety reasons in 2023 and left the Rhiw facing the long-term prospect of disruptive, expensive repairs. “I can reveal that the council has been working behind the scenes to negotiate a way forward, and these efforts have resulted in the purchase of the entire site. As a result, the council can now safeguard against the Rhiw Shopping Centre being sold off piecemeal to developers, manage any further instances where RAAC may have an impact, and control how the site will be used for the overall benefit of traders and residents.”
“As an important ‘invest to save’ opportunity, the council’s plans for purchasing the Rhiw Shopping Centre have drawn cross-party support from members. We are all aware that in its current form the building is nearing the end of its economic life, and none of us are prepared to watch the structure fall into the sort of decline that could ultimately impact against the rest of the town. “Bridgend town centre is currently benefitting from a number of high-profile developments that range from an all-new campus for Bridgend College at Cheapside, new housing and headquarters for Valleys to Coast in Dunraven Place, and the new Health and Wellbeing Centre which is preparing to open at Sunnyside. “As the Rhiw Shopping Centre occupies such a large footprint, it has opened up a huge number of additional opportunities. Working closely alongside our partners, residents and local businesses, the council intends to take full advantage of this, and to deliver effective, long-term change that will complement other regeneration projects which are underway, and ultimately safeguard the future of Bridgend town centre.”
“I am delighted that the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme has helped Bridgend County Borough Council secure this important strategic acquisition, which will unlock significant regeneration opportunities for Bridgend town centre. “This acquisition offers the potential for real long-lasting improvements in the heart of the town, which can complement the other exciting developments already underway. “I look forward to seeing how these redevelopment plans progress, through strong partnership across the public, private and third sectors to deliver the transformative regeneration needed to revitalise Bridgend town centre and improve the everyday experience and opportunities for residents and visitors.”
