Andrew Chainey and his team at Tantrwm

A thriving multi-media business in Aberdare is benefitting from £50,000 to refurbish their historic premises as part of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s multi-million-pound regeneration of the town.

Award-winning video production company Tantrwm is transforming its premises thanks to the Aberdare Townscape Enhancement Programme, which provides the opportunity for commercial property owners to take advantage of a new funding scheme towards building improvements.

The media company is moving to an empty property in Gadlys Road which will receive the funding to install a new traditional shop front, new box sash sliding windows, a new roof and major internal alterations and refurbishment to convert the property into offices.

Tantrwm will receive funding of £50,000 tol provide high quality physical enhancements to bring the property back into usage.

Director Andrew Chainey said, “Tantrwm’s investment of over £40,000, along with the TEP grant, will help us create an environment that is perfectly suited to our business.

“This will allow us to give our customers what they have come expect from new media companies in London or Cardiff Bay. The new working environment will help retain and recruit skilled staff.”

Many of Aberdare’s commercial properties are benefiting directly from Rhondda Cynon Taf Council securing of a £7.7 million funding package to regenerate the town centre.

The cash injection has come from the Welsh Government through the European Regional Development Fund, Heads of the Valleys Programme and Targeted Match Funding, plus the Council’s own financial resources, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Cadw and private sector contributions.

Two of the major components of the project are the Aberdare Townscape Enhancement Programme (TEP) and the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI).

To date more than 70 commercial property owners have contacted the Aberdare Town Centre Regeneration Team to discuss how refurbishment works through the TEP, and to find out how it can improve their business premises for the benefit of the wider economy.

The Programme is seen as an integral element of the physical regeneration of Aberdare town centre, delivering improvements to the fabric of properties and enhancing the streetscape.

It allows commercial property owners the opportunity to apply for contributions of up to 70% towards renovation and improvement works to buildings that are not eligible for the THI funding.

The programme supports renovation and improvement works to buildings within the commercial core of Aberdare town centre. The scheme will enhance commercial properties through high quality improvements, creating an attractive townscape and instilling a strong sense of “place” for shoppers, residents and business people alike.

Jane Cook, Director of Regeneration and Planning at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said: “The opportunity to enhance Aberdare’s unique architectural heritage is great and we look forward to the works being carried out at Gadlys Road and other buildings throughout the town centre.”

Alongside improvements to Aberdare’s townscape, the streetscape is also undergoing significant regeneration, with new paving and road surface materials creating an entirely new and vibrant image of the town centre. The works also include street furniture, signage, lighting and distinctive features.

Commercial property owners and tenants who wish to enquire about the financial opportunities available through the Townscape Enhancement Programme can obtain further details by phoning the Council’s Regeneration and Planning Division on 01443 495150 or email Aberdare@rctcbc.gov.uk|. For further details visit www.myaberdare.com|