Public realm improvements in Mountain Ash Town Centre

The Council has completed a series of improvement works to the car park near Rhos Square in Mountain Ash, increasing parking capacity for the town centre and improving the general appearance of the area. 

The scheme got underway earlier this year as part of planned improvements for Rhos Square, known locally as Guto Square, which were included within the wider Mountain Ash Town Centre Regeneration Framework. The works were supported by Welsh Government funding, through its Transforming Towns Post Covid Recovery Grant.

In order to transform the area, two buildings (37 and 39 Oxford Street) were initially demolished, along with the derelict piece of land next to the public toilets. This has enabled the capacity of Henry Street North Car Park to be increased by providing additional short-stay and disabled parking spaces.

Wider improvements have also included landscaping and retaining wall works at this location, while a new paved entranceway to the Workingmen’s Hall has been provided. A canopy has also been installed at the building’s entrance. The installation of electrical power sockets at Guto Square, for use during town centre events and the weekly market, was included in the works.

While delivery of the main scheme was completed on Sunday, November 14, visitors to the town centre may notice minor additional works being completed.

Councillor Robert Bevan, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Housing, said: “I’m very pleased that this regeneration scheme at Guto Square in Mountain Ash Town Centre has now been completed. This has been some transformation of the area in recent weeks and months, replacing two unused buildings and a derelict area of land with an extension to the town centre car park and other improvements.

“The Guto Square works aimed to improve the appearance of the area located in a prominent location in the heart of the town centre – allowing it to be utilised more flexibly for future events and the weekly market. Parking remains free in Mountain Ash, so the additional spaces at Henry Street North can now be used without charge alongside all other Council car parks serving the town.

“The Guto Square project forms part of the Council’s wider Regeneration Framework for Mountain Ash Town Centre – alongside several major projects including the Canolfan Pennar Community Hub which has proven such an important asset since it opened in 2019, and also the new Primary Care Centre, and the 1-4 Oxford Buildings redevelopment.

“I’d like to thank residents, town centre visitors and local businesses for their patience and cooperation as the important improvements were delivered at Guto Square throughout this year, with support from Welsh Government.”