Riverside Scheme to take Pontypridd Forward
The Welsh Assembly Government and Rhondda Cynon Taf Council are to begin detailed discussions with Taff Vale Ltd to progress the redevelopment of the Taff Vale Shopping Precinct in Pontypridd.
A detailed independent appraisal funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and Rhondda Cynon Taf Council examined issues relating to development economics, design quality and sustainability of the two proposals put forward for the site.
The Taff Vale Development, known as Riverside was considered and evaluated as offering the better potential for taking Pontypridd forward as a major shopping destination within the South Wales Valleys.
There are currently two private sector developments with outline consent for the Precinct site in Pontypridd, namely Valad (formerly Scarborough Holdings) and Taff Vale Ltd.
Leighton Andrews, Deputy Minister for Regeneration, said it was a positive step forward: “The Assembly Government and Rhondda Cynon Taf Council are now in a position to enter into detailed discussions with Taff Vale Ltd to take their proposals for the regeneration of this strategic site forward.”
County Borough Councillor, Russell Roberts, Leader of the Council said: “This important decision taken by ourselves and the Assembly Government will act as a major kick start to the development of the Taff Vale Precinct.
“We have recently taken some major steps forward with the regeneration of Pontypridd, but the Precinct redevelopment is key to truly changing the face and fortunes of the town.
“The detailed appraisal has confirmed the Riverside development as the proposal which best fits the needs of Pontypridd and our aspirations for the town.
“We all know the immense potential Pontypridd has and the Riverside development has been recognised as having the right credentials to re-establish the town as major shopping destination in the South Wales Valleys.
“Following the recommendations of the appraisal, the Assembly Government and the Council will now enter into detailed discussions with Taff Vale Ltd to further develop the details of their proposals.
“While this scheme is very much in its infancy, this decision represents another step forward in the redevelopment of Pontypridd.”
Jane Davidson, Assembly Member for Pontypridd said: “I am delighted that, thanks to the partnership efforts between the Welsh Assembly Government and Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, meaningful discussions can now go ahead with a view to making substantial improvements to the Pontypridd experience.
“Pontypridd has been in need of this positive move for many years. We have already seen very significant changes in recent months, with work on the Church Village bypass about to start, the near-completion of the St Catherine’s corner development and a traffic-free Taff Street.
“Further, we are bidding to re-open the pool in the park and, thanks to the recent success of Sustrans Connect2 bid, Pontypridd will see huge improvements to the Taff Trail, including a new cycle path to the University of Glamorgan.
“All considered, it is clear that Pontypridd faces a very positive future.”
A spokesperson for Taff Vale Ltd said: “We are delighted to have been selected as preferred developer and look forward to continuing our working relationship with the Welsh Assembly Government and Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council in order that we may deliver a vibrant and successful regeneration of Pontypridd town centre.”
The Council and the Assembly Government have accepted the findings of the report which has highlighted the redevelopment proposed by Taff Vale Limited be the preferred scheme for the site.
Led by Welsh Assembly Government, detailed negotiations with Taff Vale Limited will now begin to establish the full potential of the Riverside scheme and ensure it can meet required standards expected by the public sector within an appropriate budget.
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Last revised on: 22/1/2008