The Council will soon start work to redevelop an area of derelict land at Hannah Street in Porth – bringing it back into use by providing extra parking spaces for the town centre, some green space, and public seating.
During July 2024, the Council announced that it was developing a scheme for the area of land where 37 Hannah Street used to be. The former building, positioned opposite the bingo hall, was an end of terrace property that was destroyed by a fire a number of years ago. Since then, the area has been used for fly tipping and informal parking, and is generally considered to be an eyesore.
Having secured Transforming Towns funding from the Welsh Government, the Council has acquired the land for development. The scheme will provide four short-stay car parking spaces – to be subject to the same parking restrictions as the nearby Hannah Street Car Park, which serves the town centre.
Additional grass verges will be created, along with landscaped areas and seating for local residents, shoppers, and town centre visitors. The Council completed a statutory consultation over 21 days across July and August 2024.
The Council can now confirm that construction work will get underway from Monday, February 3, and will be completed during March 2025.
Overall, the construction phase is expected to cause minimal disruption to the town centre, as works will generally be contained within the site boundary. Small sections of footway will need to close during the works, but a suitable and short diversion for pedestrians will be maintained and clearly signposted.
There will also be a road closure at a section of Hannah Street and West Taff Street on a single day, scheduled for Sunday, February 9. The Council will confirm all details, including traffic management arrangements, in due course.
The Council has appointed Calibre Contracting Ltd to deliver the work on site. Residents living near the work site, plus affected businesses, will receive a letter further notifying of the works. The construction phase has been funded using a 70% contribution from Welsh Government, via its Transforming Towns Placemaking grant.
Councillor Mark Norris, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Development and Prosperity, said: “I’m pleased that this redevelopment scheme in the heart of Porth Town Centre will get underway on February 3. It will bring a parcel of unused land back into use after many years, to provide new short-stay parking which is invaluable to the town centre. The scheme will also positively contribute to the street scene – by removing a derelict area that has experienced fly tipping, while installing areas of greenery and seating.
“In recent years we’ve progressed the Porth Regeneration Strategy to deliver several redevelopment projects and initiatives to improve the town. These include converting Porth Plaza into a Community Hub, extending the Park and Ride provision, upgrading the public realm, establishing free public-access Wi-Fi, and delivering shop-front enhancements via the Town Centre Maintenance Grant. The town’s flagship scheme, the Porth Transport Hub, has recently been handed over to Transport for Wales to progress its permanent opening.
“The Council has welcomed important Welsh Government funding throughout our planning and delivery of the development at 37 Hannah Street. Officers initially secured Transforming Towns funding to acquire the site in 2022, while a Transforming Towns Placemaking grant has been confirmed to deliver the construction phase.
“I’d like to thank residents and visitors to Porth Town Centre, along with local traders, for their cooperation as the scheme is delivered in the weeks ahead. Only minor footway disruptions are expected, along with a single Sunday road closure which is currently being finalised. I’m looking forward to seeing the work progress to revitalise this area of land, for the benefit of the town centre.”
Posted on 21/01/2025