An important part of our Forward RCT investment is achieved through the Council’s Regeneration team. Development and delivery of major projects not only brings new facilities and amenities to communities – but it also attracts visitors, provides a boost to local traders and retail areas, and encourages private sector investment locally.
Ongoing projects
Two of the major projects that are currently being progressed for development are the former Pontypridd M&S site and the Rock Grounds site in Aberdare.
The former Pontypridd M&S site development is transforming the prominent town centre site at 97-102 Taff Street into a ‘riverside plaza’ public space with areas of greenery, that will open the townscape towards the river for the first time in more than 100 years. Two small kiosks will operate on the site, offering food and drink, while the space will also support local events.
The scheme is continuing to benefit from significant funding from Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Programme (£3.68 million) and UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (£1.95 million). Work started on site in February 2025, and will be completed in 2026.
The Rock Grounds site in Aberdare will be redeveloped to establish a quality ‘aparthotel’, restaurant, bar and spa for the prominent town centre location. The facilities complementing the ‘aparthotel’ will be available for community use – while the wider development will preserve the historic Rock Grounds building and its features, maintain an appropriate level of public car parking to serve the town centre, and retain the Keir Hardie bust.
Final Frontier Space Holdings is appointed to design, develop and construct the project, and a consultation was held in summer 2025 for the public to have their say on initial designs. Current phases of the project are funded via the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund.
Completed Projects in recent years
These follow a number of Regeneration developments successfully completed in recent years – including new office accommodation, gym, and library at Llys Cadwynand accompanying park footbridge, the restoration of Y Muni, delivery of the YMa hub, the opening of the Porth Transport Hub, and the new quality public realm space and bus stops at the former Pontypridd bingo hall site.
Other examples of local projects include continuing investment at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park using Heritage Lottery Funding, and the creation of extra parking at Hannah Street, Porth on a derelict town centre site.
Town Centre Strategies
The Council has previously developed Town Centre Strategies for Mountain Ash, Porth, Pontypridd, and most-recently Aberdare. They brought forward clear, ambitious and agreed-upon visions for each town, which have now been adopted and are acting as a blueprint for future investment. The next strategy will focus on Tonypandy, and a draft was consulted upon in summer and early autumn 2025.
Helping businesses access funding
Another key role of the Regeneration team is to help businesses apply for and access key funding for local projects. Two recent examples were the successful private developments of the Pencelli Hotel in Treorchy and the former Aberdare Rates Building – both of which brought unused buildings back into use, with officers assisting the respective owners to access external funding. Read more: