The Council has provided a progress update on the major works to redevelop the Marks and Spencer site in Pontypridd Town Centre – with good progress having been made since the main construction phase started earlier this year.
The prominent site at 97-102 Taff Street is being developed into a ‘riverside plaza’ that will provide a functional and aesthetically-pleasing public space with areas of greenery, that will open the townscape towards the river for the first time in more than 100 years. It will enable small kiosks (commercial units) selling food and drink, while the site will also be used to support local events.
The ambitious project is part of the Council’s Pontypridd Placemaking Plan, which is delivering regeneration investment across the town. More than £5.6 million of external funding has been secured to deliver the project, with contributions from Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Programme (£3.68 million) and UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (£1.95 million).
The Council’s contractor Horan Construction Ltd undertook site mobilisation in January 2025, before the main construction phase started in February 2025.
Project progress update - May 2025
Good progress has been made in the first few months of work, which is shown in the images, which were captured on Friday, May 16. Work to the upper tier of the site is clearly visible – with the structural steel frame completed, along with floor decking, reinforcement, and concrete work for this site level.
Elsewhere, the structural steel frame for the site’s lower tier is more than half-way through, while new River Taff flood defence walls are almost completed.
Upcoming site activity will focus on floor decking, reinforcement, and concrete work for the lower tier level. The concrete pour will require large vehicles to access the site via the town centre on one morning – currently expected at the end of June 2025. The Council will communicate further details in due course.
Councillor Mark Norris, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Development and Prosperity, said: “Our contractor for this exciting project in the heart of Pontypridd Town Centre has provided a very positive progress update following the first few months of work, since the main scheme started in February. The site is being transformed, with works to the upper level of what will become the new ‘riverside plaza’ most clearly visible.
“Progression of this project is continuing at pace in 2025, after we announced the appointment of our contractor in January – while also confirming that we have secured a total of £5.6 million to deliver the project through respective contributions from the Welsh and UK Governments. We continue to welcome such invaluable support for key projects within our Pontypridd Placemaking Plan – which has, in recent years, delivered significant regeneration projects throughout the town centre like the Llys Cadwyn development, the Cwrt yr Orsaf housing scheme, Y Muni, YMa, and various improvements at Ynysangahrad War Memorial Park.
“Another of those key projects was the revitalisation of the former Bingo Hall site, which the Marks and Spencer site will complement – creating a bright, open space that will also incorporate areas of greenery and food/drink kiosks. It will have scenic views across the park, while also being a flexible space that can support town centre events.
“Officers will continue to work closely with our contractor to maintain the current level of progress, while also ensuring minimal disruption continues for residents, the retail area, and the town centre business community. For those occasions where disruption is unavoidable, we’ll give as much notice as possible. I’m looking forward to seeing the site continue to evolve in the weeks and months ahead, towards its planned overall completion in early 2026.”
Regeneration of the Marks and Spencer site aims to:
- Maximise the site’s potential as a key ‘transitional space’ as part of a new visitor route, linking the train station via the former bingo hall site.
- Gain new views of the river and adjacent park.
- Integrate key features such as trees and foliage, new biodiverse habitats, and sustainable drainage solutions.
- Provide an open space that is flexible enough to respond to new opportunities for the town centre.
- Establish a new ‘riverside plaza’ that includes small, lightweight kiosks (commercial units) that offer the sale of food and drinks.
Most of the site will be raised out of the flood zone, based on flood modelling. The lane leading to the park will also have enhanced resurfacing. Please note, access to this lane is currently being maintained, and is being continually monitored in relation to public safety. Any change in arrangements that are needed will be communicated, particularly around accessing to the park.
Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Programme aims to redevelop and improve town and city centres. The Programme actively encourages mixed use towns as places to live, work, visit and stay. Find more information here.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) proactively supports delivery of the UK-government’s five national missions: pushing power out to communities everywhere, with a specific focus to help kickstart economic growth and promoting opportunities in all parts of the UK.For more information, click here.
Posted on 20/05/2025