Working in partnership, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and South Wales Police have reached a favourable agreement that will enhance policing services within the area. This will see the Pontypridd Police Station building transferred into Council ownership. At the same time, Council office accommodation at Ty Trevithick, Abercynon, will transfer to South Wales Police and become the new Divisional Hub for South Wales Police.
The Pontypridd Police Station is a key anchor point within the town and ownership of the site allows the Council to look at the site and the surrounding area with a more strategic approach, in a similar way to how the Council has progressed previous regeneration in Pontypridd.
By working together, the Council and South Wales Police are making the best use of public assets and value for money for our residents.
South Wales Police will continue to retain an operational police presence at the current location, until final plans for the Pontypridd Police Station site are agreed, before moving to a new town centre location.
Councillor Tina Leyshon, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Corporate Services, said: “Acquiring the Police Station will provide a significant regeneration opportunity to redevelop a site at a key location in Pontypridd town centre, providing opportunities for the private sector to relocate and function from an accessible town centre location, as well as an opportunity to look at improving transportation in the area.
“Through this transfer, we are on track to adapt our estate to ensure it meets our future needs.
“The Llys Cadwyn development has been a huge success, increasing footfall in the town centre, providing welcome regeneration to the old Taff Vale precinct, and delivering modern and accessible public services as well as employment opportunities.
“With the ongoing redevelopment of the southern town centre around Taff Street, we are hopeful to emulate the successes we have already seen and continue to see in regenerating Pontypridd.”
Deputy Chief Constable of South Wales Police, Mark Travis, added: “We recognise the importance of visible and accessible policing in Pontypridd, we commit to South Wales Police having an operational base in the town, this will include an improved Front Desk Service and a Neighbourhood Policing Service, with officers and Police Community Support Officers based within the town centre. We will relocate back-office Police functions to Ty Trevithick to improve efficiency for supporting roles and non-operational elements of policing within the area.
“This is a great example of the Council and Police working together to improve both organisational efficiency and services to the public. The current station no longer meets our operational needs and by reorganising our teams and bringing departments together we will be better able to plan and co-ordinate resources to deliver policing across the divisional area.”
