Store brings homes and jobs to town

DISCOUNT clothing shop Pep&Co will move into Pontypridd town centre in a matter of weeks.

David Edwards, of Talbot Green-based Edwards Investments, has hailed the news as “great for Pontypridd “– saying the company has put pen to paper to take over numbers 55 and 56 Taff Street from October 1.

He said 20 jobs will be brought to the town centre as part of the move.

Mr Edwards bought the buildings three years ago, and has converted 12 two-bedroom apartments above the shop – with residents set to move in later this year.

He said: “Pep&Co have signed for the retail unit, that’s all done for October 1.

“This is huge for the town, great news for Pontypridd.

“The footfall it will bring will be brilliant.

“We bought 55/56 Taff Street three years ago and we’ve been working in partnership with Rhondda Cynon Taf council and Trevallis [formerly RCT Homes].

“We had a grant from the Townscape Enhancement Programme to refurbish the fabric of the building.

“The 12 apartments are for Trevallis, and 24 people will be moving in later this year, and 20 jobs will be created with Pep&Co.

“This has been a long time in the making.”

Mr Edwards said he hopes another of his projects – at numbers 53 and 54 Taff Street – will follow suit.

“We’ve got a planning application which we are hoping will be granted in September.

“That’s for six apartments and another retail occupier – and we’ve already had a lot of interest for that.

“We’ve got a few projects in the pipeline in Pontypridd at the moment, so watch this space.”