Bridgend County Borough Council has updated members of the Communities, Environment and Housing Committee on its efforts to regenerate Bridgend town centre.
The committee heard how the Bridgend Town Centre Masterplan was finalised in 2021 as a 10 year strategy for developing a more vibrant, attractive and sustainable town centre based around a combination of housing, employment, education, culture, leisure and retail opportunities.
The aims of the masterplan include increasing the number of people living directly within the town centre, improving public spaces and the public realm, supporting businesses and economic activity, enhancing walking, cycling and transport links, and protecting and celebrating the town’s heritage and identity.
A number of key developments have either been delivered or are in the process of taking shape within the town centre. These include an all-new £60m campus for Bridgend College at Cheapside, which is expected to open early next year, and the £1.7m redevelopment of Wyndham House by Valleys To Coast with ground floor space for additional shops and kiosks.
The £20m Sunnyside Wellness Village is also nearing completion, and the council’s recent purchase of the 2.27 acre Rhiw Shopping Centre site has enabled the authority to take a fresh look at the regeneration plans for the town.
Other projects include a new town heritage trail launched in collaboration with Bridgend Library and Bridgend Town Council, work to support and develop the town centre’s evening economy and maximise Bridgend’s growing reputation for high quality restaurants, and improved green infrastructure which has seen new and upgraded planters, shrubs and trees introduced at various locations throughout the town centre
Members also heard how an 18-month experimental traffic regulation order has been in place since April and is continuing while town centre traffic surveys take place, and how more work is taking place on options for redeveloping Bridgend Railway Station and creating a new entrance and improved links into the town centre.
“The Bridgend Town Centre Masterplan is making good progress with a number of major projects either progressing or nearing completion. “The masterplan remains crucial for the successful regeneration of the town centre, and we are committed towards delivering new, sustainable improvements that will benefit businesses and residents alike while ensuring a long-term future for the town.”
