The Pontypridd YMCA redevelopment continues to make progress on site towards completion later in 2021 – and the latest landmark, the removal of the tower crane, requires a road closure at Morgan Street this Sunday.
The £4.48m refurbishment is being jointly delivered by the Council, Pontypridd YMCA, Artis Community and Arts Council of Wales – in order to revitalise the venue which has been at the heart of Pontypridd since 1910. Works to bring it back into use got underway in 2020, and the project will maintain the iconic Shelley Hall at the heart of the building and also provide community spaces.
Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, contractor Knox & Wells is on course to finish the exciting redevelopment by the end of 2021.
On site, the project recently achieved a significant landmark by completing the building’s steel frame. Due to the progress made, the tower crane which has been very visible in the centre of the site can now be removed this Sunday.
A road closure is therefore required at (A4223) Morgan Street, between its junctions with Crossbrook Street and Bridge Street, from 6am to 11pm on Sunday, February 7 (weather permitting). Buses will follow the diversion but will be given access to the bus station, while access on Morgan Street will be maintained for emergency services and pedestrians at all times.
An alternative route for motorists (from south of the closure) is via Gelliwastad Road, Catherine Street, Sardis Road, Broadway, northbound slip road, Bridge Street Roundabout and Bridge Street. In the opposite direction, proceed via Bridge Street, Bridge Street Roundabout, A470 southbound slip road, A470 Cross Valley Link Road, Broadway, Sardis Road, Sardis Road Gyratory, Mill Street and Catherine Street. These routes will be clearly signposted.
Councillor Robert Bevan, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Housing, said: “We know that the COVID-19 pandemic is presenting very difficult challenges across the civil engineering sector, so I’m pleased this latest progress update has confirmed that the newly-refurbished Pontypridd YMCA is still on course for delivery this year. The recent construction of the building’s steel frame and the upcoming removal of the tower crane are important landmarks within the scheme.
“Thanks to the significant investment agreed by the Council in late 2019, alongside the £2.28m contribution from the Arts Council of Wales, the YMCA redevelopment is at the heart of a very exciting future for Pontypridd. The Council’s Llys Cadwyn development is now delivered a stone’s throw away, while other important schemes such as the Muni Arts Centre and the redevelopment of the former Bingo Hall are progressing behind the scenes.
“The crane removal from the YMCA site requires a road closure all day on February 7 to ensure safety, which will cause some local disruption. However, the work is taking place during Alert Level 4 restrictions and on a Sunday, which should significantly minimise the disruption caused. I’d like to thank residents and road users in advance for their cooperation.”
