Posted on Monday 27th June 2011
A £10.5million regeneration scheme for Pontypridd Town Centre remains right on track with the first four stages of streetworks underway.
As progress continues to be made in the designated areas, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s contractors Costain are now undertaking work in four different areas throughout the town centre.
And although some uncharted services and drainage issues have arisen in Mill Street, High Street, Taff Street and Church Street, the project remains right on track.
The Council’s contractors have kept local businesses updated on the progress made and advertising has taken place to ensure shoppers are aware that its “business as usual” despite the site works.
John Lee, Project Manager for Costain said, “From the outset we expected some problems especially when you are working in a town centre with some of the drainage systems and services dating back over 100 years. We are confident we will remain on programme. We regret any inconvenience the site works may caused to the public or local business and would like to reassure the town community that steady progress is being made.”
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Customer Care and Emergency Planning Cllr Andrew Morgan said: “Clearly a project of this magnitude will not take place without its share of issues but I have total confidence in the abilities of our contractors, Costain, in delivering a quality product for the over all benefit of the town centre.
“Given the very nature of the exciting plans which are currently developing in Pontypridd, there will be some disruption, but it is our intention to keep these to a bare minimum. In the meantime we will continue to work with local businesses, keep public access routes to shops open and support their deliveries of stock.
“All we ask is that the public remain patient with us as we deliver what will ultimately be a major regeneration package to benefit one and all.”
The public realm improvements has 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.