Work will soon start on the initial stages of a major redevelopment scheme in Pontypridd, with the demolition of the former Bingo Hall and Angharad’s nightclub buildings, following the successful acquisition of grant funding support from the Welsh Government.
In a similar fashion to the regeneration of the former Taff Vale Precinct site, which is now in the final stages of the major scheme to develop the Llys Cadwyn buildings, the Council has taken action by acquiring both of the derelict sites in order to accelerate the wider strategic regeneration of Pontypridd town.
The initial contract has been let for the former Bingo Hall and the contractor is due to start on-site on Monday, 24th August, with the initial work – which will be contained within the building – likely to take 18 to 20 weeks. The contractor will be using heras and pedestrian barriers to the perimeter footways and this phase will also necessitate the delivery and removal of skips and placing of site cabin set up and decontamination units. At this stage, it is not envisaged that any traffic management will be required, although access to the rear of Tesco (including the steps) will be closed.
Following completion of this initial stage, a demolition contractor will be given possession of the site to demolish the whole structure down to street level, and this is anticipated to take a further 12 to 14 weeks. The site will be corralled within a close boarded hoarding in anticipation for the site to then be redeveloped.
Redevelopment of this prominent site is fundamental to the future growth and success of the town but how this is realised could involve various forms and uses. A continued lack of investment from private ownership into the buildings has seen them fall into a state of disrepair to a point where it is no longer economically viable to bring them back into use in their current form.
The Council is currently seeking expert commercial advice on viable options and remains confident that as the new owner, it can guarantee the best outcome for the town.
Councillor Andrew Morgan, Leader of RCT Council, said: “This first phase of the redevelopment of the former Bingo Hall and Angharad’s Nightclub sites marks a major milestone in this latest stage of the regeneration of Pontypridd town, which has been identified as a major strategic area both in terms of our own local economy and in the wider regional context.
“Pontypridd plays a pivotal position in heart of the Cardiff Capital Region and with the vast improvements to transport and connectivity to be brought in by the South Wales Metro, it is vital that we maximise the appeal of the town and exploit its location as a prime place to live and work.
“In a similar fashion to the Llys Cadwyn development on the former Taff Vale Precinct site, the Council has taken action to secure the site and initiate this major regeneration project following a lack of investment from private ownership that has led to both buildings becoming an eyesore at the end of town.
“I would like to thank the Welsh Government for their support in allowing the Council to progress our ambitions for delivering transformative improvements in Pontypridd.
Councillor Robert Bevan, Cabinet Member for Enterprise Development and Housing, added: “This is another exciting step in the Council’s ambitious vision for developing Pontypridd to be a major location in South East Wales, with a number of transformative projects already underway or nearing completion.
“The Llys Cadwyn development is entering the final stages, with two of the three buildings already handed over; whilst work is ongoing on both the YMCA redevelopment and the Muni Arts Centre.
“The Bingo Hall and Angharad’s Nightclub have long been considered an eyesore by businesses in the town, particularly at the top end, and I am sure they will be pleased to see the Council once again taking action by securing these sites and kick-starting regeneration.
“We are now working with our consultants to look at a range of options for the most viable use of this prime space and I look forward to seeing the redevelopment of this area of town progressing.”
