‘Levelling Up’ funding bid

THE COUNCIL is planning to resubmit a bid for “Levelling Up” funding for industrial units and a park and ride on a former chicken factory site which could create more than 50 new jobs.

A report to Rhondda Cynon Taf’s (RCT’s) cabinet on June 22 will recommend the council submits a round two bid as part of the UK Government’s Levelling Up fund after an unsuccessful round one bid for the former Mayhew Chicken Factory site in Trecynon.

The proposal for the redevelopment of the site is a mixed use development including 18 modern light industrial units and park and ride facility as preparation for the future extension of the railway line beyond Aberdare as part of the South Wales Metro.

It will also include electric vehicle charging facilities and a bridge providing new access to the redeveloped site.

The report said that the proposed business units have the potential to accommodate 18 new or growing local small businesses and create more than 50 new jobs for local people.

In July 2021, four bids were submitted for Levelling Up funding from Rhondda Cynon Taf, representing the Rhondda, Cynon and Pontypridd constituencies.

These included a bid for Porth Transport Hub, The Muni Arts Centre in Pontypridd, the former Mayhew Chicken Factory development in Trecynon and an additional transport based bid for the A4119 dualling.

Three of the these round one bids were successful and are now being delivered with Levelling Up funding support in place but the bid for the former Mayhew Chicken Factory was unsuccessful.

RCT is still a priority one area for round two which the report said will give it an advantage as part of the assessment process.

The deadline for round two applications is July 6.