The Council is pleased to confirm that the former M&S site development in Pontypridd Town Centre will be handed over to the Council and opened for the public to use and enjoy from Thursday (June 25). Council Leader, Councillor Ann Crimmings, has recently visited the site to see the final preparations being made.
The exciting development has removed the large, unused buildings that may have otherwise fallen into disrepair – and created a vibrant, central space that exposes views of the river and the park, and can be used to support town centre events. Areas of seating and greenery have been included, while the town has been opened towards the river for the first time in over 100 years.
While the newly-established ‘riverside plaza’ is now ready to open, some important finishing works are still outstanding, and will be carried out soon to fully-complete the scheme. This includes the installation of two food/drink kiosks, which are planned to be delivered to site and installed this Sunday.
Contractor Horan Construction Ltd will hand the Taff Street site to the Council on Thursday, June 25, enabling it to be opened straight away. Councillor Crimmings visited on Monday to see the area, celebrate the investment, and thank the contractor for the delivery of the scheme.
From Thursday, the site will be opened up from Taff Street, while there will be a separate access point near the park footbridge. It will remain open while the outstanding works are completed in the period ahead, with some areas cordoned off ensuring safety. This includes the next phase of electrical supply to the site, which will be completed in coordination with The National Grid.
The delivery of the two food/drink kiosks will follow this Sunday evening (5pm-10pm, June 28) which will require a brief local road closure. The Council has shared further information on social media in advance of the works. Following their delivery, the kiosks will require connection to utility services and a final internal fit out before coming into use.
This priority investment is part of the Council’s Pontypridd Placemaking Plan, which is delivering regeneration investment across the town, including upgraded flood alleviation improvements. More than £5.6 million of external funding was previously 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).
Councillor Mark Norris, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing said: “I’m delighted to celebrate the opening of this important public space created within Pontypridd Town Centre, with the Council delivering upon its commitment to bring the large site back into use. This project, combined with the public realm scheme at the former bingo hall site, has made a huge difference to ensure this area of town feels lighter and brighter – while creating a modern new space that everyone is welcome to enjoy, and exposing fantastic views that look over both the river and the park.
“We’ve welcomed integral funding and support from both the UK and Welsh Governments to deliver the project, with the Council securing a total £5.6 million funding package. It’s the latest success story in our wider Pontypridd Placemaking Plan which has delivered key regeneration projects across town – from the Llys Cadwyn development to the Cwrt yr Orsaf extra care housing scheme, Y Muni, YMa, and many improvements at Ynysangahrad War Memorial Park. We’re also developing an exciting scheme for the police station and Berw Road Car Park site, as our focus now turns to the town’s northern gateway.
“With the ‘riverside plaza’ ready to open on Thursday, it’s been fitted out with lighting, seating, and green areas – and these will soon be joined by two food/drink kiosks being delivered to site on Sunday, June 28. These are part of some additional works that will need to be completed, and visitors may notice those activities taking place soon. I’d like to thank residents, businesses and visitors to Pontypridd for accommodating our works over the past year – and I’d also like to thank our contractor Horan for their dedication in delivering this scheme on time for everyone to enjoy, particularly over the summer ahead.”
The scheme has integrated key features such as trees and foliage, new biodiverse habitats, and sustainable drainage solutions. Most of the site has been raised out of the flood zone, which is based on flood modelling. The lane leading to the Ynysangharad Park has also received enhanced resurfacing and lighting.
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 24/06/2026