The Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales, and Rhondda Cynon Taf Council have confirmed the next stage in plans to strengthen policing and regeneration in Pontypridd town centre.
The former police station on Berw Road has now closed and will transfer to the Council as part of wider plans to bring forward a major town centre redevelopment. South Wales Police will continue to serve Pontypridd from a new, more visible and accessible base on Taff Street.
Work is already underway on the new Taff Street station. Its shopfront location will put officers closer to the heart of the town, making it easier for residents, businesses and visitors to speak to local policing teams, seek help and report concerns.
South Wales Police has stressed that the local policing response will not be reduced during the transition. Officers will continue to respond to emergency and non-emergency calls, neighbourhood teams will remain active in and around Pontypridd, and mobile technology will help officers spend more time out in the community.
Until the new Pontypridd station opens, anyone who needs to speak to police in person can attend Talbot Green Police Station, 1/3 Heol y Gyfraith, Talbot Green, CF72 8AJ. In an emergency, always call 999.
Police teams previously based at Berw Road have moved to Ty Trevithick, the former Council building, which provides more space and capacity for operational teams. The site will become the new divisional headquarters for Mid Glamorgan policing area.
BCU Commander Chief Superintendent Jason Rees said:“Pontypridd remains a priority for South Wales Police. This move is about making sure our officers are in the right places, with the right facilities, to serve the community now and in the future.
“The Berw Road building has served Pontypridd and the wider area for many years, but policing has changed and we need modern, flexible facilities that support visible, responsive local policing.
“Our officers will continue to be out in the town centre, speaking to residents and businesses, responding to calls and working with partners to keep people safe. The new station on Taff Street will strengthen that local presence and make us easier to access.”
For the Council, acquiring the Berw Road police station and the adjacent car park site creates an important opportunity to support the continued regeneration of Pontypridd town centre.
The demolition phase is expected to begin in the coming weeks and will be supported through Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme. Prichards has been appointed as contractor and further details on timing, traffic management and parking advice will be shared with the public as soon as arrangements are confirmed. Berw Road Car Park will close when demolition begins.
The wider redevelopment is still being developed, with options including improved public space, a modern replacement car park, better links for walking and cycling, junction improvements at Bridge Street and opportunities for new residential, commercial and cultural uses.
Councillor Mark Norris, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, said:“This is an important moment for Pontypridd. South Wales Police has confirmed that it will retain a visible and accessible town centre presence, while the Council is able to move forward with plans for a key redevelopment site.
“We know residents and businesses will want clear information about what happens next. We will continue to keep the community updated on demolition arrangements, parking advice and the longer-term proposals as they develop. Our aim is to deliver a scheme that supports the town centre, improves connectivity and makes best use of this important site.”
The Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales Police Emma Wools said: “This is yet another great example of the council and South Wales Police working together to improve the public amenities in Pontypridd, whilst also enabling the police to relocate closer and be more accessible to the public. By swapping the public buildings in this way ensures best value in delivering the much-needed improvements to the town and to the policing of the area. I look forward to the opening of the town centre station later this year.”
