Work is now completed to convert unused land in Porth Town Centre into extra parking spaces, including areas of green space and public seating.
The Council started work in February 2025 and it has been delivered by Calibre Contracting Ltd in this prominent town centre location. The land was previously considered to be an eyesore following a building fire a number of years ago to the end-of-terrace property, located at 37 Hannah Street.
The construction phase of the scheme was funded using a 70% contribution from Welsh Government, via its Transforming Towns Placemaking grant.
While making the area more aesthetically-pleasing, the scheme was also brought forward to prevent fly-tipping that has been experienced at this location, while also formalising the parking arrangements for the plot.
The scheme has added four short-stay car parking spaces to the nearby Hannah Street Car Park, which serves the town centre. Parking will be free of charge, with short-stay spaces (up to two hours) intended for town centre visitors rather than business use.
Grass verges have also been created, with landscaped areas and some seating. While the work was substantially completed on schedule by the end of March 2025, a minor element of the scheme was completed more recently – to install one additional bench as part of the improvements.
Councillor Mark Norris, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Development and Prosperity, said: “These parking spaces are a welcome addition to the Hannah Street Car Park. They will provide extra options for short-stay parking, so town centre visitors can access local businesses. Like all Council car parks in Porth, they will be free to use, encouraging people to Shop Local and support local traders.
“We welcome important Welsh Government support to deliver this project, through its Transforming Towns initiative – firstly to acquire the site following the building fire, and then to deliver the construction phase this spring. As well as the extra parking spaces, it revitalises an unused area of land that has experienced fly tipping, while also providing benches and areas of greenery.
“The town centre has benefitted from the Porth Regeneration Strategy in recent years, delivering important investment including a Community Hub at Porth Plaza, extending the Park and Ride provision, upgrading the fabric of the street, helping landlords upgrade their shop fronts via the Town Centre Maintenance Grant, and ensuring public-access Wi-Fi is freely available. The major Porth Transport Hub also opened to the public recently, with bus services operating from there for the first time in February 2025.
“I want to thank residents and businesses for your cooperation while this work was completed, including the single Sunday road closure that was required towards the beginning of the scheme. I’m pleased that town centre visitors are now using the parking spots, and that the recent installation of an additional bench has ensured the project is now fully-delivered.”
Posted on 30/04/2025