Posted on Tuesday 28th June 2011
A group of young Pontypridd schoolchildren are being inspired to use their creative talents and contribute towards the town’s major regeneration scheme.
As part of the £10.5million programme of regeneration for Pontypridd, Maesycoed Primary School pupils have been asked to tap into their local knowledge and ideas for further enhancements for the town centre.
The specialist team commissioned to work on the project are Andrew Rowe (feature seating and railings), Heather Parnell and David Mackie (paving inscriptions) and Raphael Daden (feature lighting).
A series of workshops took place with the children to develop ideas for the floorscape of the town which will focus on the inclusion of phrases from songs and literature produced by writers and musicians that have emerged from Pontypridd.
This can include anything as diverse as the Welsh National Anthem and the hymn Cwm Rhondda, down to a lyric from a Tom Jones song or a phrase from a Catrin Collier novel. All of the ideas will have a distinct connection with Pontypridd and then used to add interest to the streetscape.
Pupils from Coedylan Primary School have also participated in the scheme and shared their ideas and vision for those works of literature or music best associated with the famous market town.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Safer Communities Cllr Paul Cannon said: “Schemes such as this are an important part of promoting the identity of a place, often acting as an enticement for people to come and visit as well as cementing a strong sense of local pride and confidence.
“This is essential to Pontypridd because the time is long overdue when we need to change people’s perceptions of the town centre and encourage more visitors to come and enjoy not only a unique shopping experience, but the many fascinating historical and cultural attractions on offer here.”
The public realm improvements have been programmed in 14 phases over a 30 month period and includes new granite paving and road surface materials creating an entirely new and vibrant image for the town centre along with new street furniture, signage, lighting and other distinctive factors.
Through a succession of phased works improvements will stretch the length of Taff Street, Market Street, High Street, Mill Street and Church Street and ensure significant spaces such as Penuel Square fountain are enhanced and maintained as areas of focus.
The £10.5 million project is taking place following the council’s successful attempts to secure financial support from the Welsh Assembly Government through the European Regional Development Fund and Targeted Match Funding, alongside council and private sector contributions.