Major revamp of town centre ‘to restore its heart’
Public consultation on new plan begins:
BRIDGEND County Borough Council (BCBC) is urging residents to give their opinions on plans for a major revamp of Bridgend town centre.
The council is planning on redesigning the town centre with proposed changes including a new town square, relocating the police station and moving Bridgend College into the centre of Bridgend.
Charles Smith, cabinet member for education and regeneration, said the plans are “some of the most ambitious developments that have ever been proposed for the town centre”.
“We want people to be able to have their say on how it takes shape,” he added.
The Bridgend Town Centre Masterplan has been designed by specialist consultants and aims to develop the area over the next 10 years.
BCBC is encouraging locals to have their say on the plans, which are designed to attract more people to the town centre for work and leisure purposes.
The council aims to improve areas of open space and transform derelict and empty buildings into shops and housing.
Other changes include a new commercial and office space, a new railway station entrance, better vehicular access, and pedestrianisation. Council Leader Huw David said: “The ways in which people shop, visit and use town centres continue to evolve, and it is very clear that carefully-planned changes and improvements must be implemented in order to capitalise upon this and ensure that Bridgend does not get left behind”.
He added: “This promises to provide an exciting, ambitious new chapter for Bridgend town centre which will support future economic growth and prosperity. Make sure that your voice is heard as part of this.”
Cllr Smith said the revamp could “restore Bridgend town as the beating heart of the community that has been built around it”.
“Bridgend is a town that is rich in history, and the new plan seeks to reflect this by establishing improved links with its cultural heritage.
“As we look beyond the coronavirus pandemic and Brexit, I truly believe that the masterplan offers a unique way forward for securing the future of Bridgend town centre, and I hope that people will make sure that they have their say on its proposals when the consultation opens.”
The consultation is now live until Monday March 1, 2021. Further details are available via the consultations page of www.bridgend.gov.uk